Kerala Blasters FC host FC Goa in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday. The Blasters come off the back of a 2 – 1 setback against league debutants Jamshedpur FC in a match where they had their fair share of chances. It was also Kerala’s first defeat under David James and the two-time finalists will want to set things right when Goa come calling. The Gaurs are playing after a gap of 10 days, but they come off the back of a 2 – 1 win against the same opponents who beat Kerala in their last fixture. Goa will be looking for back-to-back wins when they visit the Blasters, and will be especially confident after humbling last year’s finalists 5 – 2 earlier this season.

HEAD TO HEAD

Kerala Blasters FC 3 – 4 FC Goa

CK Vineeth (Kerala Blasters FC)

Kerala’s local boy has suffered injuries of late, but at his best, he can spell disaster for any opponent. The top scoring Indian from last season, Vineeth is quick with the ball and precise with his passes while also being a clinical finisher. He has bagged two goals for his team already this season and will look to influence the game when the Gaurs visit Kochi.

Manuel Lanzarote (FC Goa)

The Spaniard, alongside fellow countryman Ferran Corominas, have taken on the job of demolishing opposition defences this season. While Corominas is very much a striker up front, Lanzarote serves the dual purpose of offering more edge to the frontline, as well as width on the flanks. His seven goals and four assists offers proof of his end product, and having bagged a brace in his last outing, Lanzarote will look to be on the scoresheet once more.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

Kerala Blasters FC 

David James will probably use a regular 4-4-2 formation that has brought Kerala some success in recent times.

Goalkeeper: Subhasish Roy

Defenders: Lalruatthara, Wes Brown, Nemanja Lakic-Pesic, Sandesh Jhingan

Midfielders: Courage Pekuson, Keziron Kizito, Milan Singh, Jackichand Singh

Forwards: CK Vineeth, Iain Hume 

Kerala head coach David James on his team’s mentality prior to the fixture: “We might have the same players, but I think we are a different team from the last time the two sides met. They will be different themselves, in their own way. We have had a very good trip around India, but I was delighted with what I saw, even in defeat. If you like looking at goals, it seems to be a trend with Goa matches, but as with every team, there is an opportunity for us to counter that with our own qualities.” 

FC Goa

Sergio Lobera will probably stick to his 4-2-3-1 formation which ensures Corominas receives good service upfront from the likes of Lanzarote and company.

Goalkeeper: Laxmikant Kattimani

Defenders: Narayan Das, Mohamed Ali, Sergio Juste, Seriton Fernandes

Midfielders: Edu Bedia, Manuel Arana, Brandon Fernandes, Mandar Rao Dessai, Manuel Lanzarote

Forward: Ferran Corominas 

Goa head coach Sergio Lobera on his team’s attacking prowess and defensive frailties: “I think that even if we had conceded less goals, it wouldn’t have meant that we get more points. I think we are the team with the most amount of goals in the league. It is true that we haven’t kept a clean sheet so far and we need to improve defensively, but we are a team that plays with an attacking formation and mindset. We aren’t going to give up our offensive style of football, but we will try to find that defensive balance when we play tomorrow.”

KEY STAT

• Goa have only won once at Kerala, but that 5 – 1 win for the Gaurs in Hero ISL 2015 is the heaviest ever home defeat suffered by the Blasters

LAST ENCOUNTER

FC Goa 5 – 2 Kerala Blasters FC (9^th December 2017 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi)

FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)

Kerala Blasters FC: L W W D L

FC Goa: W L D L W