Kerala Blasters FC host Atlético de Kolkata in what is set to be a do-or-die match for both sides in the 2015 Hero Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Tuesday. Kolkata currently sit sixth in the league table having taken 10 points from eight matches, while Kerala are at the bottom having taken eight points from eight games. A defeat for either side on Tuesday will leave their hopes of making the semis in dire straits. Kerala head into the game after winning their last match against Pune in convincing fashion, whereas Kolkata head into this crunch encounter on the back of a loss against NorthEast United FC.Form Guide (Last 5 matches)Kerala Blasters FC: L-L-L-D-WAtlético de Kolkata: L-L-L-W-LHead-to-Head: Kerala Blasters FC beat Atlético de Kolkata 2-1 in the corresponding fixture last year and drew 1-1 away at the Salt Lake Stadium. The finals of last season saw Kolkata beat Kerala 1-0 and they have continued that winning streak against the southern outfit earlier this season with a 2-1 victory.Peter Ramage vs Iain HumePeter Ramage has been a shining light for Kerala this season after being handed the captaincy at the beginning of the season. Ramage has been a dominant force at the back for the Blasters this year and has completed a staggering 96 clearances for his side so far.It promises to be a special occasion for Iain Hume who will be returning to Kerala in ATK colours for the first time since his move to the reigning champions from Kerala. Hume looks to be on course to match his tally of five goals and three assists from last season. And judging by his current form there is no reason why he cannot come back to haunt his former employers.Josu vs Jaime GavilanJosu is a key figure in the Blasters midfield. The young Spaniard has been pulling the strings from midfield this season and has already notched up an assist and a goal for the men in yellow. The 22-year-old’s eye for a pass coupled with a powerful shot makes him a constant threat from midfield.A fellow Spaniard in a similar mould to Josu, Jaime Gavilan has taken up the playmaker role for the defending champions. Gavilan’s exquisite passing range and dead-ball prowess are sure to keep opposition defences on their toes constantly. He has also made an assist this season and accounted for numerous chances created.Mohammed Rafi vs Denzil FrancoMohammed Rafi will also be taking the pitch against his former employers on Tuesday. Rafi scored once for ATK last season and has been in terrific form for Kerala this season. The veteran striker has netted four times and provided an assist for Kerala this year. His aerial ability especially will pose a massive threat to Kolkata’s defence.Denzil Franco has had a stellar year so far in Hero ISL 2015 after missing the majority of last season through a serious injury. Franco has looked solid at the back for ATK in his four outings thus far and made 26 clearances to bail his side out at crucial times. He has also accounted for 10 tackles and three interceptions.The stage is set for a massive encounter for both teams with far-reaching implications in case of a loss. Kolkata have lost four out of their last five matches and must win this pivotal tie against Kerala to keep alive any hopes of making it to the top 4. Kerala, on the other hand, look rejuvenated under new head coach Terry Phelan and will be looking to go above ATK in the league table with a win.Squads:Atlético de Kolkata: Amrinder Singh, Juan Calatayud, Kunzang Bhutia (Lachungpa), Arnab Mondal, Denzil Franco, Nallappan Mohanraj, Syed Rahim Nabi, José Miguel González Rey (Josemi), José Luis Espinosa Arroyo (Tiri), Rino Anto, Mohammed Rafique, Augustin Fernandes, Sheikh Jewel Raja, Clifford Miranda, Borja Fernández, Ofentse Nato, Jaime Gavilan Martinez, Sameehg Doutie, Arata Izumi, Javier 'Javi' Lara Grande, Valmiro Lopes Rocha, Baljit Sahni, Nadong Bhutia, Hélder Postiga (marquee player), Sushil Kumar Singh, Iain HumeKerala Blasters FC: Stephen Bywater, Rahul Shankar Bheke, Ramandeep Singh, Peter Ramage, Carlos Marchena (Marquee Player), Cavin Lobo, Joao Coimbra, Chris Dagnall, Mohd Rafi, Ishfaq Ahmed, Shankar S, CK Vineeth, Mehtab Hossain, Sandesh Jhingan, Gurwinder Singh, Manandeep Singh, Sanchez Watt, Antonio German, Bruno Perone, Sandip Nandy, Saumik Dey, Marcus Williams, Peter Carvalho, Victor Herrero Forcada, Josu Currias, Shilton PaulQuotes:Football and life are always in the here and now. Both of us [ATK and Kerala] have been in similar positions this season. Kerala wants to win right now and we also want to win. Two finalists last season. Both of us need a win, but we have the time and we have the points to recover and secure the top position: ATK coach Antonio HabasI think every game is a big game henceforth, every game we go into we have to go into it with the right attitude. We will be going into this game with the right attitude and to get the three points. If you can manage two or three wins in the next game it will propel you to the top half. We are very confident that we can go out there and grab the three points: Kerala coach Terry phelan
