Kerala Blasters FC play their second home encounter of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19 when they take on Delhi Dynamos FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Saturday. The Blasters will be hoping to build on their good start to the season and claim top spot, while Delhi will be on the lookout for their first victory of the new campaign.

KERALA BLASTERS FC

David James Kerala have looked one of the most impressive sides in the league so far, displaying intent in attack and poise in defence. The Blasters were unfortunate not to collect all three points in their previous home fixture against Mumbai City FC, but they will take heart from a valiant performance.

Led by Sandesh Jhingan, the men in yellow have been rock solid at the back, conceding only one goal till date. Young custodian Dheeraj Singh has had the best save percentage (85.71%) in the tournament so far. In midfield, Sahal Abdul Samad and Nikola Krcmarevic have been livewires and will cause Delhi all sorts of problems.

The attacking trio of Halicharan Narzary, Slavisla Stojanovic and Matej Poplatnik have each contributed with a goal and will be looking to add to their tally on the night. With the passionate Kerala fans making their voices heard behind their team, Kerala for sure enjoy the upper hand.

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

DELHI DYNAMOS FC

After failing to register a victory in their first two matches of the season against FC Pune City and ATK, respectively, Delhi will want to make things count on their first away trip. Head coach Josep Gombau has not endured the start he expected with the Lions, but still has plenty of time to turn things around in quick fashion.

However, the form of new recruit Andrija Kaludjerovic will be a cause of concern for Gombau. The forward has managed only one shot on target in two matches and needs to find his feet quickly. Lallianzuala Chhangte and Nandhakumar Sekar have looked lively on the wings, but need to start contributing with a few goals.

Nevertheless, the two most impressive players for Delhi so far have been skipper Pritam Kotal and Rana Gharami in defence. The pair has shown composure at the back while also joining the attack on a few occasions. Rene Mihelic and Vinit Rai will most likely take the central midfield spots and will be responsible for getting the side ticking.

Here’s a look at Delhi’s season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UP

Kerala Blasters: Dheeraj Singh (GK), Mohamad Rakip, Sandesh Jhingan (C), Nemanja Lakic-Pesic, Lalruatthara, Nikola Krcmarevic, Sahal Abdul Samad, Seiminlen Doungel, Halicharan Narzary, Slavisla Stojanovic, Matej Poplatnik

Delhi Dynamos: Francisco Dorronsoro (GK), Pritam Kotal (C), Rana Gharami, Marti Crespi, Narayan Das, Shubham Sarangi, Vinit Rai, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rene Mihelic, Nandhakumar Sekar, Andrija Kaludjerovic

DID YOU KNOW?

• Delhi have scored in 13 consecutive matches in the Hero ISL so far.
• Delhi have the lowest shot accuracy in the tournament this season - 25%.
• Andrija Kaludjerovic (Red Star Belgrade) played against Slavisa Stojanovic (FK Smederevo) in the Serbian SuperLiga during the 2010-11 season.

FANSPEAK

Which of these Indian wingers will have a bigger impact on the match?

• Halicharan Narzary
• Lallianzuala Chhangte

Have your say in the comments section below.

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV from 7:30 PM