A club who had been at the brink of lifting the coveted Hero Indian Super League (ISL) trophy on two occasions in the last four seasons but had failed to overcome the final hurdle, Kerala Blasters FC would be looking to seal the title in 2018-19. After a disappointing 2017-18, where they finished sixth, the Southern unit would want to make amends and kick-start the new campaign with flair.

Here we take a look at how the two-time finalists are poised ahead of the season.

TRANSFER INS AND OUTS

Blasters have made a number of new signings to put in place a solid squad. The most notable of them all has been the Indian international and one of the best defenders in the league, Anas Edathodika, who joins his local club from Jamshedpur FC, where he spent an injury-laden 2017-18 season.

FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 star Dheeraj Singh also signed for the Kerala outfit earlier in the summer, alongside goalkeeper Naveen Kumar, who joined the Blasters from FC Goa. The signings of Seiminlen Doungel and Halicharan Narzary will also give the Kochi-based outfit lot of pace down the wings.

From the international corner, Hero ISL’s all-time top goalscorer Iain Hume left the club to join FC Pune City. However, the Blasters have done well to rope in two prolific strikers - Slavisla Stojanovic and Matej Poplatnik. Defender Cyril Kali and midfielder Nikola Krcmarevic have also been brought on board to bolster the overall squad.

AT THE HELM

Appointed midway last season, Blasters’ former marquee player and coach, David James, will be leading the yellow army this season as well. James’ men ended 2017-18 on a good note, winning five of their last six fixtures and the Englishman would be hoping they can continue that positive form at the start of 2018-19.

With a number of good signings to work with this season, all eyes will be fixed on how he manages his troops and captures the ultimate goal. The pre-season proved to be satisfactory for the Blasters, as they got the opportunity to play the likes of La Liga outfit Girona FC and A-League club Melbourne City FC in the Toyota Yaris La Liga World tournament.

Thereafter, the club travelled to Thailand as a part of their pre-season schedule, where they played two local clubs and won both the matches. Hence, James would be hoping his men could replicate the same form when Hero ISL gets rolling.

STRENGTHS

With the current squad in place, Kerala’s biggest strength would be the quality they have in defence. With Edathodika taking position beside club captain Sandesh Jhingan at the heart of defence, the Kerala faithful would be eager to see them rekindling the same magic they display when they play for the national team.

Apart from these two, last season’s ‘Emerging Player of the Season’ Lalruatthara’s retention will also be a plus for Kerala, alongside the presence of foreign players like Kali and Lakic-Pesic. Thus, James will have enough options in central defence as well as under the sticks to ensure they concede much lesser than they did last season.

AREAS OF CONCERN

Though the defence looks rock solid, the Kerala midfield appear a little unpredictable. A number of young players have been brought in the team, but overall it definitely looks like an area that lacks experience and creativity. There are no big names or the presence of a creative player who can link both sides of the field.

The forward line has three experienced players, but if the midfield fails to hold their ground, both attack and defence may be affected by the same. Hence, James needs to ensure that the youngsters step up their game and the foreigners deliver to their fullest potential.

SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Sujith Sasikumar, Naveen Kumar

DEFENDERS: Nemanja Lakic Pesic, Cyril Kali, Mohamad Rakip, Anas Edathodika, Sandesh Jhingan, Pritam Singh, Lalruatthara

MIDFIELDERS: Nikola Krcmarevic, Seiminlen Doungel, Prasanth K, Loken Meitei, Keziron Kizito, Sahal Abdul Samad, Halicharan Narzary, Deependra Negi, Zakeer Mundampara, Suraj Rawat, Hrishi Dhath, Courage Pekuson

FORWARDS: Slavisla Stojanovic, Matej Poplatnik, CK Vineeth

FINAL VERDICT

A healthy mix of experienced and young blood is what makes up Kerala Blasters’ squad this season. The team looks good on paper and can be touted as one of the favourites for the title, but how well they gel on the field and manage to execute James’ plans is what will bring the trophy home. Thus, after four seasons and coming extremely close in two occasions, the Blasters would want to reward their passionate fans with a season to remember.

Kerala will be seen in action in the very first match of 2018-19, when they travel to the home of their arch-rivals ATK at Kolkata on September 29 for the season opener. They host Mumbai City FC in their first home match on October 5.

To view their full list of fixtures, click here.

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Kerala Blasters FC 2018-2019