In a bid to return to profitable methods, Kerala Blasters FC are set to host Punjab FC on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Monday, February 12.
The Blasters had a formidable begin to their ISL season and had been atop the standings on the midway mark of the marketing campaign. Nevertheless, after a disappointing Tremendous Cup, they suffered a 2-1 loss to Odisha FC of their first ISL sport this yr.
This consequence dropped them to 3rd place within the standings with 26 factors to their title. Nevertheless, a victory would propel them above FC Goa to second place, whereas they’ll path league leaders Odisha FC by two factors with a sport in hand.
Head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, whose staff has remained undefeated at house this season, anticipates a difficult match in opposition to Punjab FC and emphasizes the significance of the Manjappada supporters being in full voice to safe a optimistic consequence.
“I anticipate a tough sport, you realize, with many duels, a number of runnings and, in fact, hoping that with the assistance of the followers, tomorrow (on Monday), that we will obtain one thing good. So now hopefully they’ll come tomorrow to help us. We’d like them, we’d like them now in additional than ever,” he said on the pre-match press convention.
In the meantime, Punjab FC, after a tricky begin to the season, are beginning to convert good performances into outcomes. Staikos Vergitis seems to have discovered the suitable stability to his aspect, with the likes of Madih Talal, Luka Majcen, and Wilmar Jordan Gil in fantastic type because the flip of the yr.
Their latest 3-1 win over Bengaluru FC has propelled them again into competition for a playoff spot, as they sit simply 5 factors behind sixth-placed NorthEast United, who’ve performed a further sport in comparison with the Shers.
With momentum in Punjab FC’s favor, head coach Staikos Vergisitis is assured that his staff have the assumption to safe a positive consequence in Kochi.
“One optimistic end result helps the psychology of the participant get to a very good stage. It provides them confidence. I had seen from our (Kalinga) Tremendous Cup video games that they’ve extra confidence, and that is one thing that was confirmed within the final sport, ” Vergitis mentioned within the pre-match press convention.
Kerala Blasters FC vs Punjab FC: Head-to-head report
Matches performed: 2
KBFC wins: 2
Attracts: 0
Consequence within the reverse fixture: Punjab FC 0-1 Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters FC vs Punjab FC: Prime goalscorers this season
Kerala Blasters FC: Dimitrios Diamantakos (8 objectives in 11 matches)
Punjab FC: Luka Majcen (4 objectives in 13 matches)
Kerala Blasters FC vs Punjab FC: Stats and numbers from the 2023-24 Indian Tremendous League season
Most saves: Sachin Suresh (30), Ravi Kumar (16)
Most pictures per 90: Ishan Pandita (3.9), Madih Talal (3.7)
Most assists: Adrian Luna (4), Madih Talal (3)
Most clearances: Milos Drincic (50), Dimitrios Chatziisaisas (54)