Kerala Blasters FC will hope to make capital out of the home advantage when they host league table toppers Chennaiyin FC in the first leg of the first semi-final of the inaugural season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) in Kochi on Saturday. The hosts qualified for the knockouts in dramatic fashion after Iain Hume’s goal helped them beat FC Pune City in their last league stage game. Chennaiyin wrested the lead from Atlético de Kolkata midway through the campaign and managed to stay there till the end despite being held by Delhi Dynamos in their final league game.Goal scoring has been the major issue for the men from the backwaters. They’ve scored a tournament low nine goals in comparison to the prolific Chennai side who have 24. Unsurprisingly, Chennaiyin have been the more attacking side with more shots (195-160) and shots on goal (106-78). Kerala however have put in more crosses (271-194) than the visitors. From a defensive point of view, Kerala have more clean sheets (6-3) and blocks (87-70) and this may serve them in good stead. Marco Materazzi’s men have won both their league matches earlier, 2-1 at home and 0-1 away, and will hope to repeat the feat in this South Indian derby. On the other hand, David James will hope his side can ride on the crowd support and upset the applecart of their more fancied rivals who could have marquee player and the league’s leading goalscorer Elano Blumer back in the line-up.Form guide (most recent matches first)Kerala Blasters FC: WDLLWChennaiyin FC: DLWLWCédric Hengbart vs Jeje Lalpekhlua The Frenchman has been the bedrock of the Kerala defence, letting hardly anything get past him. Having played in all but one match in the league stage, the tall central defender always puts in an effective shift at the back. He’s also a threat from set-pieces. Up against him will be Mizo striker, Jeje, who has found some form in the last few matches with a few important goals for his side. With a low centre of gravity and a good turn of pace, Jeje will be lead the Chennai attack and Hengbart will have to be at the top of his game to stop him.Iain Hume vs Alessandro NestaThe Canadian ex-international striker has been in excellent form and has been the go to man for player-manager James all through the tournament. His tenacity will be put to the test once more, this time by one of the best Italian defenders in the history of the game – Alessandro Nesta. The ex-AC Milan defender only recently joined the Chennai team and was immediately given a starting berth in the heart of defence. Nesta reads the game exceedingly well and gets into good defensive positions to stop attackers so Hume will have to be at his best to outwit him.Mehtab Hossain vs Bruno PelissariThe tough tackling Indian defensive midfielder is another key figure in James’ scheme of things. He gets into good positions to break up opposition attacks and distributes play effectively through the wide players. In the absence of Elano due to injury, countryman Bruno Pelissari stepped up to the plate to propel his team into the knockout phase. He even managed to score directly from a corner against Delhi Dynamos. Hossain will have a battle on his hands to keep a check on the tricky Brazilian.Players to watchKerala Blasters FCStephen Pearson – The left-footed Scottish playmaker has a wealth of experience playing in Scotland and England and hopes this will come handy in this vital against a tough and physical opposition. Pearson’s strength and passing ability are his biggest assets and he will want to make use of them to put his team ahead.Chennaiyin FCBalwant Singh – The first Indian goal scorer of the ISL, the former JCT man has given a good account of himself though he is still to add to his tally. The main assets of this Punjab-born striker are his strength, speed and high work rate. Having assisted three times, Balwant will look to get on the score sheet in this away game and give his team the advantage.Team speakKerala Blasters FCTrevor Morgan (assistant coach): “We would like to make the home advantage count.”Chennaiyin FCMarco Materazzi (player-head coach): “It is going to be a difficult game but we will play for a win although we are away from home.”
