Last year's finalists Kerala Blasters are having a season to forget so far. They are currently at the last spot of the league table with just 2 wins in 8 games. Whereas, the defending champions are also having a below average season for them as they sit 6th in the table with 10 points. The stage is set in Kerala for both the finalists of last season to face-off each other in a must win game for both clubs.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS (W1 D1 L2)
Kerala Blasters and Atletico de Kolkata have met four times the most important tie being the finals of last season where, Atletico de Kolkata defeated Kerala Blasters to win the first ever ISL trophy. In the second edition, the first meeting was played in Kolkata where the host got all the three points as they defeated Super Machans with a 2-1 scoreline. The return ficture has become an important tie for the both sides as both of them are struggling for points to qualify for the play-off. A defeat to either side in this fixture will leave their hopes of qualifying in dire straits.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS (W1 D1 L2)
Kerala Blasters and Atletico de Kolkata have met four times the most important tie being the finals of last season where, Atletico de Kolkata defeated Kerala Blasters to win the first ever ISL trophy. In the second edition, the first meeting was played in Kolkata where the host got all the three points as they defeated Super Machans with a 2-1 scoreline. The return ficture has become an important tie for the both sides as both of them are struggling for points to qualify for the play-off. A defeat to either side in this fixture will leave their hopes of qualifying in dire straits.
PREDICTION: kerala Blasters 1-1 Atletico de Kolkata
Form Guide (Last 5 matches)
Kerala Blasters FC: L-L-L-D-W
Atlético de Kolkata: L-L-L-W-L
Kerala Blasters look to build up on last game's comfortable 2-0 home win over Pune. Resurgent Kerala outfit are unbeaten in their last two games and will mount a serious challenge for the defending champions as they welcome Atletico de Kolkata in a must win game. Atletico de Kolkata, on the other hand, are having a poor run of form with just one win in last five games. However, a repeat of thrashing of Mumbai is what is needed for Kolkata club to lift them up and give a huge boost to give a serious fight for a position in the play-off. With both teams vying and looking to get all the three points, a tough game is expected ending in a draw.
KEY PLAYERS:
Kerala Blasters: Izumi, Lara and Hume
Atletico de Kolkata: Ramage, Mohammed Rafi and Josu
PRE-MATCH MANAGER TALKS:
"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 Habas
"I 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
Catch the live action of a must win game for both sides at 7 pm (IST)
Form Guide (Last 5 matches)
Kerala Blasters FC: L-L-L-D-W
Atlético de Kolkata: L-L-L-W-L
Kerala Blasters look to build up on last game's comfortable 2-0 home win over Pune. Resurgent Kerala outfit are unbeaten in their last two games and will mount a serious challenge for the defending champions as they welcome Atletico de Kolkata in a must win game. Atletico de Kolkata, on the other hand, are having a poor run of form with just one win in last five games. However, a repeat of thrashing of Mumbai is what is needed for Kolkata club to lift them up and give a huge boost to give a serious fight for a position in the play-off. With both teams vying and looking to get all the three points, a tough game is expected ending in a draw.
KEY PLAYERS:
Kerala Blasters: Izumi, Lara and Hume
Atletico de Kolkata: Ramage, Mohammed Rafi and Josu
PRE-MATCH MANAGER TALKS:
"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 Habas
"I 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
Catch the live action of a must win game for both sides at 7 pm (IST)