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CLAIM NOWCan Goa Ignite or Will Blasters Douse the Fire?
We Predict a Draw (2-2)
Tournament: Indian Super League 2024-2025 | Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi
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Noah Sadaoui’s sparkling show and Kerala Blasters’ second-half surge helped the Kochi side pull off a stunning 3-0 win over the high-flying Chennaiyin FC in the ISL at the Nehru Stadium on Sunday. The Morocco-born American scored and assisted in a must win match, on the back of 3 straight losses. Spaniard Jesus Jimenez and substitute K.P. Rahul scored the other goals as the Blasters climbed up the table. Despite anxiety surrounding the team, the Blasters played calmly.
With crisp passing and neat finishing. Although the Blasters created plenty of first half-chances, they could not capitalise on them. They eventually broke the deadlock and made amends in the second half. It was captain Luna who showed the way by scoring in the 56th minute.
Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle said that Kerala Blasters FC were deserved victors following his team's 3-0 defeat in the Indian Super League match in Kochi. With three goals and assists each, Kerala Blasters FC’s Adrian Luna has surpassed Rafael Crivellaro (2 goals & 4 assists) as the player with most goal contributions in this fixture. Luna has directly contributed to a goal in the last four out of his five matches against Chennaiyin FC.
FC Goa manager Manolo Marquez has bittersweet memories of his trips to Kochi. His last trip to Kerala was a forgettable one. His side took a 2-0 lead in the first 20 minutes only to be blown away 4-2 in full time, conceding 3 in the last 10 minutes. Memories of Kerala Blasters smashing Manolo’s team will haunt him as he prepares to take them on again. During a pre-match media interaction he told the press, ‘’It’s always nice to play in Kerala, because in football, you always want to have such an atmosphere. It also seemed like he was hinting at the fact that the crowd acted like the 12th man and helped the team win 3 points.
Head to Head Record - Both teams have played 20 matches. The home side has won 5 while the tourists have won 11, with 4 games ending in a draw.
Current Standings - The Blasters are 9th on the table after 9 games with 11 points. FC Goa have amassed 12 points having played one game fewer.
Kerala Blasters have scored 31 goals against FC Goa. Kerala Blasters FC have netted in each of their last 16 home games. Goals in their previous game means the Yellow Army will equal the longest goal-scoring run at home by any side in competition's history alongside Bengaluru FC (January 2018 to March 2019), Chennaiyin FC (November 2016 to October 2018) and Delhi Dynamos FC (October 2015 to December 2016).
This fact shows that they always believe in taking the game to the opposition when playing in their backyard. Kerala Blasters FC have conceded the most penalties (5) in ISL 2024-25. This does suggest that the manager needs to bring some consistency within the squad.
Player to watch out for
Noah brought salvation to the Blasters in their last outing. He came close to scoring on a couple of occasions, increased the margin, making the most of his captain’s cross and finding the far corner of the net with a left-footed shot. And in the injury period, Noah made a darting run into the box from the right with the goalkeeper Mohammed Nawaz blocking him, he sent a cross to Rahul, who had entered a few minutes earlier, and the latter finished the job neatly. The Moroccan has a real appetite for goal and FC Goa will want to be watchful.
Injuries - Dohling, Peprah, Diamantakos, Leskovic have been ruled out.
Kerala FC probable line up : Suresh (GK), Singh, Ruivah, Drincic, H.N. Singh (DEF), Mohanan, Lallawmawma, K.Singh Thingujam, Luna, Sadaoui (MID), Jimenez (FWD).
FC Goa have scored 47 goals against Kerala Blasters. It’s hard to tell whether this game after the International break has come at a good or bad time for FC Goa. They’re facing the Blasters after 3 weeks against Punjab. It is also because Manolo also managed the Indian Football team. FC Goa had gained momentum with back-to-back wins after some lacklustre performances. Marquez is happy about going into the International break by picking up 6 points. Since his team won’t be playing that often in December, he stresses on training hard and keeping focus.
Player to watch out for
Despite facing reduced playing time this season due to stiff competition within the Goa squad, the defender remains optimistic about his growth and development. With the likes of Sandesh Jhingan, Nim Dorjee, Odei Onaindia, Aakash Sangwan and Sanatomba Singh also competing for spots across the Goa's back-four, the 23-year-old views the challenge as a stepping stone to greater heights. “I feel very confident in my capabilities, and the competition just helps me grow.
It’s a very good opportunity to reach higher levels in terms of quality and ability. If someone puts me out of my place in the playing XI, that’s even better because I’ll keep on fighting to earn my spot back.” He also sees this season as an invaluable learning experience.
“Sometimes, one has to take a step back to push even further. If a player is not being picked to start, maybe there’s something they need to learn. In my case, that’s what I’m trying to pick up on – to get better as a player because my aim is not just to be a starter. I want to do much more for my Club and Country.”
Injuries - No reported injuries.
FC Goa probable line up : Tiwari (GK), Thangjam, Odei, Jhingan, Sangwan (DEF), Tavora, Chhetri, Yasir, Guarrotexena, Drazic (MID), Sadiku (FWD).
The Blasters have already tasted victory after returning for International break. They will want to get a momentum going. As for Goa, having not played a fixture for almost 3 weeks might prove elusive. But Manolo will know how to motivate the players and get their heads in the game. Marquez will not want a repeat of what transpired in his last trip to Kochi, so he will use a slightly more conservative route if his team does go up. All in all, this proves to be an enthralling affair.
We Predict a Draw (2-2)
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