Kerala looking to bounce back with win against high-flying Goa

Kerala Blasters FC will look to put their disappointing loss to Bengaluru FC in the southern derby behind them when they host a strong FC Goa outfit in Match 34 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday. Kerala will be hoping to pick up all three points from the match to keep pace with the pack vying for a playoff spot. However, it is easier said than done against the free-scoring Gaurs who currently top the table will 13 points from six matches.

Interestingly, the two teams have never played out a draw in their eight Hero ISL meetings so far. With the match being the last Hero ISL fixture before the international break kicks in, both camps will be eager to finish on a high. So, expect some attacking football and a few goals.

Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala started off their season on a high with an away win against ATK, but the following matches have been far from perfect for David James' men. Despite dominating for large parts of the matches, Kerala only managed to draw their next four fixtures before suffering a narrow defeat against Bengaluru in their last outing, which could have gone either way. The team's inability to close out games this season has largely stemmed from their wastefulness in front of goal and lapses of concentration at the back, especially late in the game - two flaws James will be desperate to fix as soon as possible. To give context, Kerala have a lost out on five points this season due to goals conceded in the final ten minutes of regulation time.

Another big headache for James will be his team's terrible home form. Out of their last 12 matches in their own backyard, Kerala have managed to win just twice, draw seven and lost the rest.

The focus in the match will be on Kerala centre backs Sandesh Jhingan and Nemanja Lakic-Pesic, who will have their work cut out for them trying to keep a rampant Goa attack quiet. It will be interesting to see if James opts to sacrifice one of his attacking players and give Anas Edathodika his first start of the season to offer his defence some added protection.

Here’s a look at Kerala’s current season in numbers:

FC GOA

The Gaurs got off to a brilliant start to the season with a draw and three wins in their first four outings, before suffering their first loss away to Jamshedpur FC. Sergio Lobera's men, however, bounced back in style in their last match against Delhi Dynamos FC and picked up another win, even after having to come from behind twice.

The Gaurs have easily been the side with the most attacking intent this season, and unsurprisingly, have been the most free-scoring team so far. Goa have scored an impressive 18 goals in just six matches so far - the most by any team in this season. On the flipside, due to their all-out approach, the team has also conceded 11 goals and only the bottom three sides have conceded more so far this season.

One of the early criticisms of the Gaurs was that the team might be over-reliant on star striker Ferran Corominas going forward. It's hardly surprising considering the Spaniard is not only leading the race for the Golden Boot with six goals to his name but also leads the assists chart with four. The theory did find some ground after Goa lost to Jamshedpur in absence of Coro, who was suspended for the match. However, if the last match against Delhi was anything to go by, Coro isn't the only big threat Kerala will need to be wary about. With Coro seeming a little off-colour in the match, Edu Bediastepped up and brought his team back in the game and was the key behind Goa's win. The midfielder has already proved to be a big goal threat going forward and has four goals and an assist to his name. Kerala defenders will need to make sure they keep a close eye on Goa's no. 23 and deny him any space to shoot. The Spaniard has the ability to find the back of the net from literally anywhere on the pitch.

Here’s a look at Goa’s current season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

Kerala Blasters FC: Naveen Kumar (GK), Nemanja Lakic-Pesic, Cyril Kali, Mohamad Rakip, Sandesh Jhingan (C), Nikola Krcmarevic, Seiminlen Doungel, Sahal Abdul Samad, Slavisa Stojanovic, Matej Poplatnik, CK Vineeth

FC Goa: Mohammad Nawaz (GK), Chinglensana Singh, Mourtada Fall, Seriton Fernandes, Mandar Rao Dessai (C), Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh, Lenny Rodrigues, Edu Bedia, Jackichand Singh, Ferran Corominas

DID YOU KNOW?

Kerala Blasters FC vs FC Goa in the Hero ISL has never ended in a draw.
FC Goa have scored nine goals in each half so far this season.
Kerala Blasters FC have lost out on five points this season due to goals conceded after the 80^th

FANSPEAK

Which player will have the biggest impact?