Kerala Blasters FC took three points from their first outing of Hero Indian Super League 2015 [ISL] earlier this week, with a 3-1 win against NorthEast United FC. After getting past the Assam-based team at home, Kerala are now ready to take on Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Saturday. Meanwhile, Nicolas Anelka’s men look forward to making the most of this Kerala journey, especially after going down to FC Pune City 3-1 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in their season opener.Rahul Bheke (Right Back) v Frederic Piquionne (Striker)Drafted in by Peter Taylor & co. at the very last minute, Rahul Bheke carved a niche for himself in his very first match of the Hero ISL. This young right back from Maharashtra is getting noticed for his long free-throws and he helped set up two of Kerala Blasters’ three goals in the last match.From helping Mumbai City FC open their goal account in this season to contributing with a 70% passing accuracy, Frederic Piquionne delivered a convincing performance in his first-ever Hero ISL match, against Pune. He would be a key player to watch out for in the upcoming clash.Mohammed Rafi (Striker) v Keegan Pereira (Left Back)Joining Kerala from Hero ISL 2014 winners Atlético de Kolkata has been a rewarding decision for Mohammed Rafi. With one goal and one assist, this Kasargod ‘killer’ was involved in two of Kerala Blasters’ goals in the last match. His contributions in the midfield have also been quite helpful.This is Keegan Pereira’s first Hero ISL and it looks like he has eased into his left back domain for Mumbai City FC. Three blocks, four clearances and an 86.66% passing accuracy against FC Pune City from the Mumbai-born defender helped him keep the attackers at bay for the most part.Sanchez Watt (Striker) v Ashutosh Mehta (Right Back)Coming on for compatriot Chris Dagnall, Sanchez Watt put in a flawless performance against NorthEast, scoring on his debut with a nutmeg shot that went past goalkeeper Rehenesh TP. A finisher of the first cut, Watt looks to run through the opponent defence and end with finesse.Ashutosh Mehta, having switched over to the island city club from rivals FC Pune City, seems to be quite the fit as a right back. He was directly involved in setting up Piquionne’s goal in the Maharashtra derby and is capable of a lot more.Kerala’s marquee signing Carlos Marchena and key midfielder Peter Carvalho have been ruled out of the clash. Meanwhile, Anelka would be expecting more from his attacking squad, especially Sony Norde, whose shot hit the post in the last match. Anelka’s men go into this match on the back of a few noteworthy performances, namely from Pereira, Mehta, Norde and Piquionne. But an away win is what shall be preoccupying the Frenchman.Quotes:The head coach [Anelka] of the team would want to win the next match and they are a very determined team. We have to respect that and make sure we're prepared for the next match: Kerala Blasters head coach Peter TaylorWe will have to defend good because it is a tough away game. I have told the players to work hard and if we defend well we could win tomorrow: Mumbai City FC defender Frantz BertinSquads:Kerala 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 PaulMumbai City FC: Subrata Pal, Albino Gomes, Debjit Majumder, Kinshuk Debnath, Darren O’Dea, Pavel Čmovš, Keegan Pereira, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai (Chhuantea), Frantz Bertin, Rowilson Rodrigues, Airtor Fernandez Lopez, Gabriel Fernandes, Juan Aguilera Nunez, Brandon Fernandes, André Francisco Moritz, Selim Benachour, Cristian Bustos, Sarang Singh, Pratesh Shirodkar, Sampath Kumar Kuttymani, Ashutosh Mehta, Singam Subash Singh, Nicolas Anelka (Marquee & Manager), Sony Norde, Sunil Chhetri, Frederic Piquionne(The match starts 1900 IST and will be telecast on Start Sports 1/HD1/2/HD2/3/HD3)
