FC Pune City host Kerala Blasters FC in their 2016 Hero Indian Super League encounter at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Balewadi on Monday. Kerala Blasters, who lost the first two matches of their 2016 Hero ISL campaign, have got their season back on track following a draw (Delhi Dynamos FC) and a win (Mumbai City FC) in their last two matches and three points on Monday will give them a lot of heart as regards their semis chances. Pune, on the other hand, lost their last encounter against NorthEast United FC and with one win and two losses, they also need to brighten things up for themselves. With both teams in need of a win going into the contest, expect Matchday 16 to be an end-to-end affair.Head-to-head: Out of four matches between these two sides, Kerala have won three (2-0 home in 2015 and 2-1 & 1-0 in 2014), and the other match ended in the Stallions’ 3-2 victory at home in 2015.Form Guide:FC Pune City: L-W-LKerala Blasters FC: L-L-D-WGouramangi Singh vs Michael ChopraGouramangi Singh will have to take on the mantle of being the senior defender in Pune’s backline in the absence of Eduardo Ferreira, who will be serving a suspension after picking up a red card in the Stallions’ last encounter against NorthEast United FC. The 30-year-old has started all of Pune’s games this season and will be entrusted with carrying out head coach Antonio Habas’ instructions at the back as the Maharashtra club looks for its first win at home in Hero ISL 2016.Michael Chopra’s talismanic influence in the Blasters side helped them to their first win of the season against Mumbai City FC the last time around. The former Newcastle United striker has scored his team’s only goal this season and will once again be their main threat against Pune on Monday. Chopra’s ability to drop deep and dictate play is also an added bonus for Steve Coppell’’s men, who’ll be looking to kick on after taking four points from their last two matches.Mohamed Sissoko vs Azrack MahamatA towering presence at the centre of the park, Mohamed Sissoko will need to lead from the front if Pune want to turn around their fortunes at home. The Malian midfielder’s vision on the ball can be key as he is good at threading in defence-splitting passes from his own half. Sissoko’s exquisite range of passing and aggression in tackles will have to be kept in check by the visitors on Monday.Azrack Mahamat has turned himself into an integral cog at the heart of the Blasters midfield. An energetic and dynamic midfielder, the 28-year-old Chadian’s ability to read the game and break down opposition attacks will be crucial for the men in yellow as the season develops. He is also capable of contributing in the final-third and can be expected to notch a few goals and assists before the end of Hero ISL 2016.Jesus Tato vs Aaron HughesJesus Tato has looked lively for the Stallions without managing to get his name on the score-sheet just yet. The Spanish forward’s movement, quick change of pace and technical ability, has already caused trouble for opposition defences. Tato’s match sharpness is improving day by day and it’s just a matter of time before the 33-year-old gets his first goal of the season.Aaron Hughes’ return to the Kerala fold after national duty with Northern Ireland coincided with their first win of the season. The Blasters’ marquee man is crucial for Coppell’s team as he demonstrated with his goal-line clearance to deny Sony Norde and Mumbai an equaliser the last time around. With tons of experience and a composed head on his shoulders, Hughes’ leadership quality is going to be absolutely pivotal on Monday as well as the rest of the season.Squads:FC Pune City: Edel Bete, Arindam Bhattacharya, Vishal Kaith, Zodingliana Ralte, Vishal Kaith, Rahul Bheke, Yumnam Raju, Narayan Das, Augustine Fernandes, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Eduardo Ferreira, Gouramangi Singh, Arata Izumi, Jonathan Lucca, Francis Fernandes, Bruno Arias, Josep María Comadevall Crous (Pitu), Lenny Rodrigues, Manish Maithani, Momar Ndoye, Sanju Pradhan, Anibal Zurdo Rodriguez, Gustavo Oberman, Jesus Rodriguez TatoKerala Blasters FC: Graham Stack, Sandip Nandy, Kunal Sawant, Mohammad Ansari, Aaron Hughes, Cedric Hengbart, Sandesh Jhingan, Gurwinder Singh, Pratik Chaudhary, Elhadji Ndoye, Josu Currais, Didier Boris Kadio, Azrack Mahamat, Mehtab Hossain, Mohammed Rafique, Ishfaq Ahmed, Vinit Rai, Michael Chopra, Antonio German, Kervens Belfort, Duckens Nazon, Mohammed Rafi, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Farukh Chaudhary, Prasanth Karuthadathkuni
