Kerala Blasters take on Mumbai City in a crunch clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, three days after both sides were held to goalless draws by Delhi Dynamos and Goa respectively. The southerners will not be happy with their last result as they were expected to take full points in their home game. On the other hand, Mumbai were on the back foot mostly against an attacking Zico side. The two teams faced off on November 2 in Mumbai, with the hosts running out 1-0 winners, and Kerala will be out for revenge on their home turf. Nicolas Anelka will be key to Mumbai’s fortunes yet again. A win for Kerala will see them leapfrog Mumbai into the top four. On the other hand, Mumbai can go on top with a win.The hosts have found the target less frequently than the visitors, registering five goals to Mumbai’s eight. The home side have also taken less shots on target (40) as compared to the visitors (51). Another worry for David James is his side’s propensity to concede from set pieces. Kerala, however, however a better defensive record, having conceded only six to Mumbai’s ten, and also have more interceptions (238-228) and blocks (35-30), and will therefore fancy their chances of keeping Anelka and his teammates quiet. All in all, this promises to be a cracker of an encounter.Form Guide (most recent match first)Kerala Blasters: DWLWDMumbai City: DWWLLSandesh Jhingan vs Nicolas AnelkaJhingan has improved leaps and bounds and is by far the best Indian player in the tournament. The youngster is at ease in the defence and has featured in both wingback positions as well as his more natural centre back position, in Kerala's last game. He will have his hands full dealing with Anelka. The Frenchman is a skilful striker blessed with a quick turn of pace, and can turn a match on its head either during regulation play or from set pieces. Jhingan and the rest of the Kerala defence will have to avoid giving away free kicks at all costs.Iain Hume vs Pavel ČmovšHume has been the best player for Kerala in the ISL. His determination and skill will make him a dangerous customer for the Mumbai back line. He also has good pace and is ever-ready to track back and help out with defensive work. Kerala will be hoping that the Canadian striker can add to his goal tally in the competition. Up against him will be Czech defender Čmovš, who has formed a stable partnership with German Manuel Friedrich in the centre of the Mumbai defence. Čmovš will use his positional awareness and strength to stop Hume from running amok.Penn Orji vs Jan ŠtohanzlThe Nigerian central midfielder will be trying to unlock the Mumbai defence and set up his colleagues to score, as well as add to his own goals tally. Stamina and accuracy are his greatest assets and the Kerala skipper will use these to his benefit. For Mumbai, Štohanzl has been an absolute workhorse. He covers every inch of grass, and is also a difficult proposition for opposing defenders when he goes forward to link up with the Mumbai attack. He will hope to neutralise the effect of Orji in the midfield and set Mumbai on the path to victory.Players to watchKerala Blasters FCMilagres Gonsalves – The Goan attacker scored past the team from his home state in Kerala's 1-0 win over Goa. He also provided a cheeky assist to Hume to level the scores in Kerala's match against Atlético de Kolkata, earning Kerala their first point of the tournament. Gonsalves hopes he will come on and make a telling impact on the game tomorrow. Blessed with pace, the forward makes clever runs to evade defenders and get into goal-scoring positions.Mumbai City FCSubrata Paul – The India No 1 has kept three consecutive clean sheets, with his side winning two and drawing one of those games. His decision-making is a vital asset, and he uses his quick reflexes to stop shots. Paul also uses his speed to come off his line and avert danger. He will have to be at his best in this away match to withstand the crowd pressure and keep the Kerala attack at bay.Team SpeakKerala Blasters FCDavid James (head coach): “We will stick to the values and strengths of the players that we have, rather than sticking to a system, because the system may not suit the players that we have got.”Mumbai City FCPeter Reid (head coach): “It concerns me because we are creating chances but we are not putting them away.”
