ISL 2024 : Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) will welcome their southern rivals Hyderabad FC (HFC) in Kochi on Thursday when the Yellow Army (KBFC) gear up for an Indian Super League (ISL) match at their home ground. Both teams have had an almost similar journey this season, and their paths to achieving their goals look quite similar. Currently, Kerala Blasters FC and Hyderabad FC are placed 10th and 11th respectively in the points table, both having reached there after recent defeats to Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giants.
This match ISL 2024 is a refreshing opportunity for both teams to reset their season. Kerala Blasters seem to have the upper hand as they have won three of their last four encounters against Hyderabad FC. The Blasters have a golden opportunity to set a new precedent by registering three consecutive home wins over Hyderabad in this match.
While a home win will cheer up Kochi fans, Hyderabad FC will be aiming to build on their one win and one draw in ISL 2024-25. Kerala Blasters have scored in their last 14 home ISL matches, scoring at least twice in eight of them. Only Chennaiyin FC, Delhi Dynamos FC and Bengaluru FC have managed to score for such a long stretch in the competition (16 games each). Led by head coach Mikael Stahre, the attacking duo of Noah Sadaoui and Adrian Luna are set to thrill the home fans.
ISL 2024 : Their defence will be imperative if Kerala Blasters are to reach greater heights
However, Kerala Blasters have not kept a clean sheet in their last 18 consecutive league matches – the joint second-longest record in ISL history along with FC Goa and Hyderabad FC. Only NorthEast United FC are ahead of them in this regard, having conceded goals in 23 consecutive matches. Strengthening their defence will be imperative if Kerala Blasters are to reach greater heights in the league.
Hyderabad FC broke their four-match losing streak with a 4-0 win over Mohammedan SC in their previous match, which has given them confidence on unfamiliar ground. Their aggressive tactics could prove to be a challenge for the Kerala Blasters defence. Hyderabad FC have conceded at least one goal in seven of their last nine away matches and have lost each of these matches. They have won two of the matches by keeping a clean sheet, which underlines the importance of defensive discipline. Coach Thangboi Singto is expecting a harmonious performance in all departments in this match.
ISL 2024 : We should have stayed in the game against Mumbai
The two teams have faced each other 11 times in the ISL, with Kerala Blasters FC winning six times and Hyderabad FC four times, while one match ended in a draw. They also clashed in the ISL 2021-22 final, where Hyderabad FC won in the penalty shootout to become the champions. Kerala Blasters head coach Mikkel Stahre has stressed on the need for his team to stay alert throughout the match and stick to their plan till the end. “We should have stayed in the game against Mumbai City FC. We have to learn from the crucial moments and avoid unnecessary fouls, yellow and red cards,” he said.
ISL 2024 : Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto acknowledged the competition in the points table and expressed optimism towards climbing up with positive results. “Our aim is to give our best in every match. The teams are strong, so it is not easy. If we cannot win, we have to at least ensure a draw to move up the points table,” Singto said.
Kerala Blasters midfielder Vibin Mohanan has given a new energy to the team this season with 40 ball recoveries – the most for any Indian outfield player this season. Vibin’s performance has earned him a place in the national team for the upcoming India vs Malaysia match. Hyderabad FC’s Alex Saji has been defensively solid, making an average of 2.5 headed clearances per game, the highest for an Indian player. His consistency has solidified Hyderabad FC’s defence line.
ISL 2024 : Kerala Blasters FC will be pleased with the consistency of their star striker Jesus Jimenez, who has scored in four consecutive games. If he scores against Hyderabad FC, he will equal the record for the longest consecutive scoring run by a Kerala Blasters player (Dimitrios Diamantakos) in ISL history. Jimenez’s threat in and around the box will pose a serious challenge to Hyderabad’s defence, forcing them to adopt a strategy of giving minimum space.
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