Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 will see Kerala Blasters FC host Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday. The two-time finalists are unbeaten, but also winless and yet to score having played out goalless draws against ATK and Jamshedpur FC so far. As one of the favourites with a potent strike force on paper, they will be desperate for their first win of the season. The Islanders, on the other hand, have won one out of their three fixtures so far and are coming off the back of a 2-1 setback in the ‘Maha’ derby. They will want to return to winning ways but will be aware of the hostile reception that awaits them in Kochi.

HEAD TO HEAD

Kerala Blasters FC 2 – 1 Mumbai City FC. 3 draws

KEY PLAYERS

CK Vineeth (Kerala Blasters FC)

Even though finding the back of the net has proved to be difficult for Kerala this season, Vineeth has been a constant threat in attacks. The winger’s pace and guile with the ball at his feet has taken apart many formidable defences in the past. He will need to have a good outing and produce some magic on Sunday if Kerala want maximum points.

Balwant Singh (Mumbai City FC)

The focal point of Mumbai’s attacks, Balwant scored a scintillating goal in the derby which unfortunately counted for little in the end. But the striker has shown good intent from the word go in each of his matches. He possesses quick feet and is a poacher in the penalty box, making him one of Mumbai’s biggest threats against the Blasters.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala will probably line up in a 4-5-1 formation and pack their midfield with bodies.

Goalkeeper:Paul Rachubka

Defenders:Lalruatthara, Nemanja Lakic Pesic, Sandesh Jhingan, Rino Anto

Midfielders:CK Vineeth, Courage Pekuson, Milan Singh, Dimitar Berbatov, Jackichand Singh

Forwards:Iain Hume

Kerala Blasters head coach Rene Meulensteen on the importance of scoring goals: “We have to turn our possession into a more attacking threat. That is what has been lacking – the penetration, the decision making, the final cutting edge. The most important goal to score in a season is the first one, because the moment you score the first one, it will bring confidence.”

Mumbai City FC

Alexandre Guimaraes is likely to stick to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, giving plenty of leeway and edge to the attack.

Goalkeeper:Amrinder Singh

Defenders:Raju Gaikwad, Lucian Goian, Gerson Vieira, Aiborlang Khongjee

Midfielders:Leo Costa, Sehnaj Singh, Abinash Ruidas, Everton Santos, Achille Emana,

Forwards:Balwant Singh

Mumbai City FC head coach Guimaraes on the first few fixtures of the season: “I think that it is a very difficult fixture list that we have, playing three of our first four games away. This is not normal, but, this is what we have to handle. I know for sure that tomorrow our players will put in everything that they have to make a good game, to be competitive, to fight for three points, and then play our next two games at home.”

KEY STAT

• Mumbai City FC beat Kerala Blasters FC 5-0 in Mumbai last season, the score-line being the joint second highest margin of defeat in league history

LAST MEETING

Mumbai City FC 5 – 0 Kerala Blasters FC (19^th November 2016 at the Mumbai Football Arena)