Kerala looks to end winless run in ISL

After its opening matchday win over ATK, Kerala is winless for six games now. With three draws and as many losses in these six matches, Blasters finds itself at the wrong end of the table in the eighth position. The host won’t have it easy against fourth-placed Jamshedpur, which can go to the top of the table with a win.

The form graph of both sides is interesting. Kerala played out two consecutive draws (against FC Goa and Mumbai City FC) coming into this match and so has Jamshedpur (against NorthEast United and Chennaiyin FC).

KBFC coach Eelco Scahttorie and JFC manager Antonio Iriondo will want their teams to register a much-needed win.

Kerala has itself to blame for the mess it finds itself in. The team looked on course for victory against both Goa and Mumbai City, only to concede late and settle for a point.

The concentration levels in the latter part of matches have let the team down. Add to the mix the fact that Jamshedpur has scored four of its nine goals in the final 15 minutes, Schattorie’s side has to be concerned.

“That (conceding late goals) has to do with the quality that you have in the side. One thing I keep repeating is that there has to be a mindset to have double alertness,” said the Dutchman. “Last week, we had some mismatch during set-pieces. You have to find a solution, in this case,” added Schattorie.

Though Raphael Messi Bouli has shone in attack of late, the absence of Bartholomew Ogbeche will weaken its frontline that has not exactly been on fire. KBFC has scored just six goals, which is the second-lowest in the league.

But the return of midfielder Mario Arques will be a relief for Schattorie, though it is unsure if he will be fit enough to start. Jamshedpur has shown fighting spirit and tactical flexibility in plenty so far.

It loves having the ball but is equally deadly on the counter, thanks to the pace on the wings.

The likes of Farukh Chowdhury, CK Vineeth and Aniket Jadhav have all impressed. Also, Iriondo has a knack of getting his substitutions to work.

However, the absence of Sergio Castel and midfielder Piti is bound to affect the team’s game plan and come as a relief of sorts to Kerala.

“Kerala has not been lucky in the first part of the season due to injuries. It tries to play a good style of football. In this kind of short leagues, you don’t have too much time,” said Iriondo.