Match 87 Preview: A potential six pointer in the semi-final race as Jamshedpur FC meet Kerala Blasters FC

In a bid to rise up the league standings, Jamshedpur FC will take on Kerala Blasters FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa on Thursday.

Jamshedpur FC find themselves pushed down to fifth after ATK Mohun Bagan’s victory over Hyderabad FC on Tuesday helped them breach the top-four. With only a point separating the Men of Steel, the aim would be to claim three points and climb into the second spot.

Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters FC would look to solidify their current position as their claim is threatened by five teams waiting patiently for an error.

Head To Head

The contests between the two sides have been so evenly fought that six out of nine matches have ended in draws. Jamshedpur FC have recorded two wins while Kerala Blasters FC have managed one.

Form Guide

Jamshedpur FC: LWWWL

The Men of Steel have had a bag of mixed emotions with two losses separated by a hat-trick of wins in the last five matches. The recent defeat against Bengaluru FC turned out to be an eye-opening battle as they lost 3-1 despite taking the lead within the first minute of play.

Kerala Blasters FC: DWWLW

The Blasters have recorded only one loss in the last five matches and two overall this season. Their recent loss, just like Jamshedpur FC, came against the Blues. However, they have found stability and consistency with three clean sheets in the last four games.

Team News

For Jamshedpur FC, Komal Thatal is trying to come back from his hamstring injury while Peter Hartley is available after a suspension. On the other side, Ayush Adhikari will miss out after a red card suspension for Kerala Blasters FC.

Key Players

Jamshedpur FC

Daniel Chima: The new addition to the club has had an immediate impact as Jamshedpur FC’s last two goals have been scored by Chima, taking his tally of goals to four this season.

Greg Stewart: The Striker has created 43 chances this season, the highest of any player in the league this season. He will be crucial to converting chances upfront.

Kerala Blasters FC

Adrian Luna: The midfielder needs one assist to become the sole leading assist provider in Hero ISL history for Kerala Blasters FC to add to his current tally of six.

Alvaro Vazquez: His audacious strike from 59 metres against NorthEast United FC was the goal from the furthest distance in Hero ISL history. The strike was Vazquez’s fifth goal of the season – the most for Kerala Blasters FC this season.

Key Stats

Compact defences

Kerala Blasters have conceded the fewest goals by any team this season (12). Meanwhile, Jamshedpur have conceded the joint-second fewest goals in Hero ISL 2021-22 (15).

Shattering records

Kerala Blasters have never won more than 6 matches in the league stages of a Hero ISL season. They have won 6 in just 13 matches this season already, inching closer to new heights.