Kerala Blasters will lock horns with Jamshedpur FC in a thrilling Boxing Day encounter this evening. The Blasters have picked up back-to-back 3-0 victories over league leaders Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC and are in high spirits going into today’s game. Meanwhile Jamshedpur led by Owen Coyle has also performed well this season and are currently seated at the third spot in the points table, which is one above the Blasters.
Injury news
Jamshedpur FC has a couple of injury concerns ahead of the game. While Pronoy and Valskis missed the last game and are a doubt for the upcoming game, Len Doungel and Komal Thatal are also expected to be missing out as Owen Coyle mentioned in the pre-match press conference.
For Kerala Blasters, there are no new injuries in the camp.
3 foreigners to look out for
Adrian Luna
Just five games into the season, Luna has already managed to showcase his worth on the pitch. In the match against Odisha, Luna provided two assists for the Blasters and was also awarded as the player of the match in two consecutive games.
Jorge Pereyra Diaz
Diaz, who was rumoured to have pulled an injury in the game against Des Buckingham’s men, was not only present in the Blasters’ last game but he also made sure to put his name on the scoresheet in the Southern Derby!
Greg Stewart
With Valskis out injured, Stewart will headline the Red Miners’ attack alongside Jordan Murray.
3 Indians to look out for
Sahal Abdul Samad
Sahal Abdul Samad has been making the headlines recently for all the right reasons. The talented midfielder seems to have developed a knack for scoring goals. The youngster has already netted three goals including one in each of the Blasters’ three nil victories over Mumbai City and Chennaiyin FC.
Ricky Lallawmawma
Ricky has been a mainstay for Jamshedpur FC at the left-back position and has impressed everyone both offensively and defensively. The 30-year-old will be a key player given the attacking threat that Kerala possesses from the right hand side.
Jeakson Singh
Jeakson Singh will be tasked with controlling the midfield and stopping the likes of Greg Stewart.
Head to Head
The two sides have faced each other 8 times before, with Jamshedpur FC winning 2 times and Kerala Blasters doing so only once. The games have resulted in a tie in the rest of the 5 occasions.
Predicted Lineups
Kerala Blasters –
Jamshedpur FC –
Predictions
In a game that could go either way, IFTWC would predict a win in favor of the Kerala Blasters who have been more consistent with their results of late.
Follow our website to get all the latest updates on Indian Football.