In what promises to be a momentous grand finale to the Hero Indian Super League, Kerala Blasters FC and Atlético de Kolkata face off at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday night, with the chance to make history by becoming the ISL’s first champions.Both teams come into the final on the back of dramatic semi-final encounters. The Blasters beat Chennaiyin FC 4-3 on aggregate thanks to a Stephen Pearson winner late in extra time after the second leg. Kolkata’s game was decided even later as they defeated FC Goa 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the two sides were level at the end of the two legs. Kerala’s league encounters with Kolkata offer little indication of how the final will go. The two sides drew 1-1 in Kolkata, and Kerala won a contentious home game 2-1, so their battle on neutral turf throws up interesting possibilities. Both sides have impressive defensive records but fall short on the scoring front. Kerala will, however, have to reorganise their defence, as Gurwinder Singh and James McAllister will miss the final due to suspension.Kerala have overcome their inability to score in their last few games putting three without reply past fancied Chennaiyin FC in the first leg semi-final and one in the second (Stephen Pearson’s winner). Kolkata have just scored once in their last three games, a penalty converted by Fikru Teferra, and their attack will be hit as the Ethiopian international will miss the final as he is injured. Iain Hume vs JosemiThe Canadian striker has been the best attacking player by far for the south Indian side in the competition. His ability to read the game and get into positions to receive the ball makes him a threat in the box. His finishing is also a major asset and he’s knocked in five goals during the course of the tournament. Up against him will be Josemi who has been a rock in the Kolkata defence. The Spaniard is a resilient central defender and is not afraid to put in tackles to win the ball back for his team. He’s also a threat from set pieces.Mehtab Hossain vs Luis GarcíaKerala defensive midfielder Hossain, born just outside of Kolkata, is another Blasters player who has impressed during the course of the tournament. Having missed a few games through injury, the tough-tackling Hossain is back in business. He is adept at winning the ball back and his competent distribution sets his team off on counter-attacks. Kolkata’s marquee player Luis García has lived up to his billing, with the Spaniard having been the focal point of his side’s attacks throughout the tournament. The creativity of the former Liverpool man is Kolkata’s biggest asset and his left foot is potent as ever. He will have to be marked tightly in order to prevent him from causing damage.Colin Falvey vs Mohammed Rafi The strapping Irish central defender was named Hero of the Match in the semi-final second leg against Chennai. Falvey is a commanding presence in the Kerala backline and he reads the game well. The physicality he brings to the pitch also serves him in good stead. He will be up against Mohammed Rafi who will deputise upfront for the injured Fikru Teferra. The Kerala-born striker has pace and trickery to get past defenders and will look to open his account on the grandest stage after contributing to Kolkata’s entry into the final with a successful penalty conversion in the shootout against Goa.Players to watchKerala Blasters FCStephen Pearson – The former Premier League player scored his first goal of the tournament in the semi-finals against Chennaiyin, the strike that took Kerala through to the summit clash. Pearson is an influential midfielder with a good left foot and a physical presence. He will definitely play an important part in the game.Atlético de KolkataApoula Edel Bete – The Armenian international was a wall in front of goal for Kolkata during the semi-finals as he constantly thwarted every Goa attack over both legs. In fact, Edel has played consistently whenever he has been fielded, and with his ability to make reflexive saves and his reading of the game, he will play a key role in keeping the Kolkata citadel intact in the final.
