The Hero Indian Super League 2016 resumes action on Tuesday with Kerala Blasters FC hosting FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Kerala head into the match on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Delhi Dynamos FC that brought an end to their five-match unbeaten streak. They currently lie one position above Goa in the table in seventh spot with nine points from eight games. Goa have also endured a difficult campaign but a well-earned 1-0 win over FC Pune City last time around has brought them closer to the rest of the pack with seven points from eight games. Both teams head into the contest knowing a win can reinvigorate their semis hopes, while a defeat can severely puncture their chances of getting into the top 4.

Head to head: Hero ISL 2014 saw the Blasters win 1-0 at home and lose 3-0 away. Goa did the double over Kerala last year with a 2-1 win in Goa and a 5-1 humbling in Kochi. Their previous encounter this season saw Steve Coppell’s men come from behind to register a 2-1 win.

Form Guide: (Last five games)

Kerala Blasters FC: W-D-W-D-L

FC Goa: D-W-L-L-W

Cedric Hengbart vs Rafael Coelho

Cedric Hengbart has brought a calming influence at the back for the Blasters this year. Strong in the air, he is a threat during set-pieces as his strike against FC Pune City, which is still the fastest goal of the season, goes to show. Hengbart is also a good distributor of the ball and intelligent reader of the game, making him crucial to Kerala’s backline in the absence of Aaron Hughes, who isn’t available for selection due to national duty.

Rafael Coelho has looked lively on the pitch and has been the Gaurs’ most potent goal threat in an otherwise barren season for Goa in front of goal. Lethal near the box, his ability to drop into pockets of space before running at defences and unleashing shots on goal make him pivotal to his side’s chances on Tuesday. He doesn’t mind helping in defence either and never shies away from a tackle.

Azrack Mahamat vs Richarlyson

Azrack Mahamat has been the complete package for the Blasters with his quality passing and knack of snatching the ball away from opponents. The midfielder from Chad is also a towering presence at the centre of the park for the Blasters with great aerial prowess, making him vital to Kerala’s hopes of a positive result on Tuesday.

Richarlyson has become a mainstay in the Gaurs’ starting 11 this year contributing heavily in both the attacking and defensive-thirds. A ball-winner at the heart of midfield, Richarlyson’s all-action style of play sees him cover every blade of grass on the pitch on a consistent basis. His slick passing and ability to provide key passes makes him a huge threat to the Blasters.

Kervens Belfort vs Luciano Sobrosa

Kervens Belfort has looked one of the brightest players amongst the Kerala ranks this season. Blessed with pace and quick feet in tight spaces, Belfort also possesses a lethal shot on him as Goa found out the last time these two sides met. On his day, the 24-year-old Haitian can turn the game on its head single-handedly for his side. He is also strong, powerful and a threat from set-pieces.

Luciano Sobrosa has brought a sense of calmness to FC Goa’s backline after starting in his side’s previous two games. He has put in solid performances for Goa in both the matches so far and helped them to a clean sheet against FC Pune City last time around. The Brazilian’s no nonsense style of defending that has added steel to the Goa backline may prove to be the difference against Kerala attacks.

Squads:

Kerala 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

FC Goa: Laxmikanth Kattimani, Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, Sukhdev Patil, Lucio, Debabrata Roy, Denzil Franco, Fulganco Cardozo, Gregory Arnolin, Keenan Almeida, Luciano Sobrosa, Rafael Dumas, Raju Gaikwad, Sanjay Balmuchu, Joffre, Mandar Rao Dessai, Pratesh Shirodkar, Richarlyson, Romeo Fernandes, Sahil Tavora, Trindade Goncalves, Julio Cesar, Rafael Coelho, Reinaldo, Robin Singh