Mumbai City FC will face Kerala Blasters after a long break in the Indian Super League.
Mumbai City FC sit on the second place in the table. ATK Mohun Bagan are ahead of them, but have played one game more than the Islanders. Mumbai City have treated fans with a beautiful gameplay and left everyone mesmerized. Lobera’s men are yet to lose a game since the opening match and have collected 16 points in 7 matches.
Kerala Blasters found their first victory this season in the last match against Hyderabad FC. However, with just six points, Kibu Vicuna’s team is ninth on the table. Juande has been signed as a replacement for injured Sergio Cidoncha too. Mumbai City FC will be a tough team to face for the Men in Yellow, but even a point against them will be remarkable.
3 foreign players to watch out for
Ahmed Jahouh has displayed a magical performance in his ISL career and continues doing so. He dictates the game and can turn the match in Mumbai’s favour any minute.
Adam Le Fondre has scored five goals this season, just what was expected of him. There’s no stopping him from scoring some more against Kerala Blasters and he should be kept an eye on.
Jordan Murray is Blasters’ highest goal-scorer with two goals to his name. He had a good game against Hyderabad FC and will be crucial for Kerala Blasters against the Islanders.
3 Indian players to watch out for
Rowllin Borges has been exceptional for Mumbai City FC. His maturity and vision on the ground has made him one of the best Indian players in the ISL this season. Bipin Singh has been a surprise package this season. While few expected him to start, the Manipuri has impressed one and all after racking up three assists till now. Jeakson Singh has already got on the scoresheet this season for Kerala Blasters. He has the ability to trouble the opposition attack and he will look to create chances for his team as well.
Injury updates
Sergio Lobera revealed that Hugo Boumous has returned to 100% fitness and will be available for the match. This means that there are currently no injuries or suspensions in the Mumbai City camp.
Kerala Blasters missed the services of Bakary Kone, Costa Nhamoinesu and Gary Hooper last match. Kibu Vicuna has said that the players are back to training, but their availability for the match is not known. Sergio Cidoncha’s replacement Juande is currently in quarantine.
Head to head
Mumbai City FC won – 4
Kerala Blasters won – 2
Draw – 6
Probable XIs
Mumbai City FC(4-2-3-1): Amrinder Singh, Mohammed Rakip, Mourtada Fall, Hernan Santana, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Rowllin Borges, Ahmed Jahouh, Bipin Singh, Adam Le Fondre, Mandar Rao Dessai
Kerala Blasters (4-3-3): Albino Gomes, Nishu Kumar, Sandeep Singh, Costa Nhamoinesu, Jessel Carneiro, Jeakson Singh, Vicente Gomez, Facundo Pereyra, Rahul KP, Jordan Murray, Sahal Abdul Samad
Predictions
A comfortable victory for the Islanders should be on the cards. If Kerala Blasters manage to upset Sergio Lobera’s side, it will be a big result.
Predictions- Mumbai City FC 2-0 Kerala Blasters