Having been pushed down into second place by Chennaiyin FC on number of goals scored, Atlético de Kolkata will be looking to beat Kerala Blasters FC when the two sides meet at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi tomorrow and regain their top of the table spot. On the other hand, the hosts can consolidate their third position with a win in this potentially riveting encounter.Both teams come into this match on the back of 1-0 wins against Delhi Dynamos FC and NorthEast United FC respectively, with their attacking midfielders, Penn Orji and Luis García, getting them the goals. From an attacking point of view, the hosts look the better team despite having scored half the number of goals than the visitors (6-12). However, their shots (109-93), shots on goal (53-49) and crosses (167-117) all exceed that of the away side. Kerala will hope to translate these attacking stats into goals tomorrow. Both teams have also managed four clean sheets each and rival custodians David James and Subhasish Roy Chowdhury will be looking to add another. The stats show that Kolkata defend better than their hosts -- they put in more tackles (191-147), blocks (59-55) and interceptions (291-286).Form Guide (most recent first) Kerala Blasters FC: WDDWL Atlético de Kolkata: WDLDDPenn Orji vs Ofentse NatoThe Nigerian was a man possessed as he came on as a second half substitute in Kerala’s previous match with the score at 0-0 and changed the game with a decisive goal. His determination and patience are an important facet of his gameplay. Orji will once again use his skills to prise open the Kolkata defence. In his way will be Ofentse Nato. The Botswana international took a knock in the previous game but should be back on the pitch. His tall, strong frame prevents rivals from making marauding runs past him. He’s the screen in front of the Kolkata defence and will play spoiler to the Nigerian’s promptings. Raphael Romey vs Luis García The ex-Liverpool man was in excellent form against the Highlanders in his previous outing. The Spaniard’s passing was intelligent and he made good runs into the box. He even managed to get in front of a defender and head past Rehenesh TP for Kolkata’s matchwinner. Raphael Romey, in the meantime has struck a good partnership with Stephen Pearson in the Kerala midfield. The Frenchman alternates with the former Scottish international as the man in front of the defence. His workhorse attitude will help his team contain the Kolkata midfield and curtail the threat posed by García.Milagres Gonsalves vs JosemiThe Goan attacker has only managed one goal so far, against FC Goa, and will look to add to his tally. A pacy and intelligent striker, Gonsalves makes good runs off the ball and gets into excellent goal scoring positions. His finishing however has let him down and he will want to improve against Kolkata. Josemi has played every match for the visitors and he and his partner Arnab Mondal, have been veritable rocks in their defence. The Spaniard will want to stop the Kerala attackers in their tracks.Players to watchKerala Blasters FCIain Hume – The former Canadian international hasn’t scored in the last few matches despite getting close and will hope to break the jinx tomorrow. Hume is a difficult player to mark and his constant movement is a bother for defenders. He will want to capitalise on this ability and help his team escape to victory.Atlético de KolkataJofre – The Spanish winger brings with him the experience of La Liga and European football. Jofre has an excellent left foot which he uses to great advantage. He provided the cross for García to score in the previous encounter. The slippery winger will be a handful for the Kerala wing backs to deal with.Team SpeakKerala BlastersDavid James (player-head coach): Having the best fans in India rooting for you helps to try and win the game!Atlético de KolkataAntonio López Habas (head coach): We play the same and we have been getting better results away from home and so we will be aiming for a win.
