Kerala Blasters FC hosts FC Pune City in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Thursday. The Blasters recently parted ways with head coach Rene Meulensteen and have appointed former manager and marquee player, David James as his replacement. After the 3 – 1 humbling at home against Bengaluru FC in their previous encounter, the two-time finalists would want to pull up their socks to lay claim to the title once again. The Stallions, on the other hand, have won both of their previous two fixtures and would be high on confidence, especially after handing out a comprehensive 5 – 0 defeat to NorthEast United FC in their last match. A win would take them to the top of the points table, a target they would surely be aiming for.

HEAD TO HEAD

Kerala Blasters FC 4 – 1 FC Pune City (1 draw)

KEY PLAYERS

Courage Pekuson (Kerala Blasters FC)

The Ghanaian has been the engine in midfield for Kerala. His powerful runs down the middle combined with his ability to pick out pinpoint passes makes him a lethal weapon to possess. He has used his speed and strength to good effect in bullying opposition defences and scored his maiden league goal in his team’s encounter against Bengaluru. However, he needs to be at his best again when Pune come calling.

Marcelinho (FC Pune City)

The Brazilian has been at his scintillating best this season as well and has been amongst the goals and assists with equal fervour. He bagged his second Hero ISL hattrick in the win over NorthEast United FC and has taken to task every defence that he has come upon. He has five goals and four assists to his name already, and if he is at his deadly best, the home side will have a tough job at hand to contain him.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala’s new head coach David James will probably use a 4-1-4-1 formation that will bring out the depth in the middle of the park.

Goalkeeper: Paul Rachubka

Defenders: Lalruatthara, Wes Brown, Sandesh Jhingan, Rino Anto

Midfielders: Courage Pekuson, Siam Hanghal, Milan Singh, Iain Hume, Jackichand Singh

Forward: Mark Sifneos

The home team’s assistant manager Thangboi Singto on the club’s plan ahead: "I think in terms of planning there is not much. I think it is important for us to score and not concede. Other teams results are not our lookout. We have to pull up our socks, hold our head high and produce football that is beneficial for all at Kerala Blasters."

FC Pune City

Ranko Popovic will, in all likeliness, field his team in the 4-2-3-1 formation, thus relying on the midfield depth and the flanks.

Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith

Defenders: Sarthak Golui, Gurtej Singh, Rafael Lopez, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai

Midfielders: Marcos Tebar, Adil Khan, Jonatan Lucca, Marcelinho, Ashique Kuruniyan

Forward: Emiliano Alfaro

The visitor’s assistant coach Vladica Grujic on the team's preparations: "Day by day things are getting better and better. I think during the game this team does not need a coach. We want to play a strong game tomorrow to win. Popovic is very important for the team and the team knows what he wants and what we want and these are every important things."

KEY STAT

● FC Pune City have won all their away fixtures this season while Kerala have never lost to Pune at home

LAST ENCOUNTER: Kerala Blasters FC 2 – 1 FC Pune City (25th November 2016)

FORM GUIDE

Kerala Blasters FC: L D W L D

FC Pune City: W W L W L