Kerala Blasters FC will aim to maintain their undefeated home record as they host Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Friday.

The Blasters currently occupy a solid position in the top half of the league table, boasting two victories, a draw, and a lone loss – that loss occurring during an away match against Mumbai City FC. Adding to the anticipation, the upcoming match marks the return of their head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, who will be back in the dugout after serving his suspension.

The tactical battle on Friday between Vukomanovic and Sergio Lobera promises to be a gripping one, as the latter aims to disrupt the expectations of the home supporters. Ahead of their clash in Kochi, here are a few interesting statistics that could have a strong bearing on the game.

A tale of diverging records between the two sides

Odisha FC find themselves in a less-than-ideal situation as they have conceded at least one goal in each of their last 17 Indian Super League (ISL) games played away from home. The Juggernauts have been grappling with keeping clean sheets on the road, and it's a record they are undoubtedly eager to change.

The only team to surpass Odisha FC in this unenviable streak is NorthEast United FC, who hold the record with 19 consecutive away matches conceding goals.

In contrast to Odisha FC's defensive struggles, Kerala Blasters FC have enjoyed a period of prolific goal-scoring streak at home. Over their last six home games in the ISL, Kerala Blasters FC has netted an impressive eight goals. This offensive output is a testament to their attacking prowess and their ability to find the back of the net in front of their home fans.

Moreover, Kerala Blasters FC's strong performance at home isn't limited to scoring goals; they've also displayed defensive solidity by conceding only four goals in the same stretch of games.

Aerial Dominance

The Blasters are firmly reigning supreme in the aerial battle in the ongoing ISL season. They have won an impressive 59.8% of their aerial duels, a feat unmatched by any other team in the league. This dominance in the air reflects their tactical prowess and their skill in commanding the vertical dimensions of the game. On the contrary, Odisha FC has won 36.8% of their aerial duels, the lowest among any team this season.

Can the Fall-Jahouh partnership come to Lobera's aid?

This dynamic pair has consistently been the standout performer for Odisha FC since their arrival, significantly contributing to their coach's strategies. As they prepare for a challenging fixture against Kerala Blasters FC, they will aim to maintain their exceptional performance for the Juggernauts.

Fall has exhibited an exceptional ability to outperform expected goals (xG). With an xG value of 0.16, he has managed to convert that into two goals, resulting in a significant +1.84 xG differential. In this category, Fall ranks second only to NorthEast United FC's Parthib Gogoi, who boasts a +2.59 xG differential. Fall's clinical finishing has established him as a valuable asset for Odisha FC.

On the other hand, Jahouh has been a stalwart in front of the defensive pair of Fall and Carlos Delgado. The Moroccan has showcased his ability to regain possession 13 times per game, the highest among all players. Jahouh's ball-winning prowess in the midfield has provided Odisha FC with the necessary stability and balance at the heart of the pitch.