ISL
The eighth-ranked Kerala Blasters FC will take on second placed Odisha FC in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) match at Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco da Gama, Goa on Sunday.
In the last match Kerala Blasters FC played out a 1-1 draw against Bengaluru FC and are winless in the season till now. They have had only eight shots on target in three matches. Their foriegn attackers are yet to get on the scoresheet and Ivan Vukomanovic has plenty of things on his table to sort out before the kickoff.
Contrastingly, Odisha FC have not dropped a single point till now. In the last match they put six goals past SC East Bengal. Kiko Ramirez seems to have instilled confidence and courage in his players. OFC is looking like a completely different side from last season.
With KBFC searching for their three points and OFC aiming to keep their record intact, the match has a lot at stake and can potentially take a toll on how these two teams perform in the rest of the season.
Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters FC have conjured two points from a potential nine points. After losing the first game 3-0 against ATK Mohun Bagan, Vukomanovic’s side came back to pick up two draws against NorthEast United and Bengaluru FC respectively. Against NEUFC, the game ended 0-0, while against BFC it was 1-1.
Odisha FC
Odisha FC has two wins out of two. In the first match they defeated 2018-19 champions Bengaluru FC 3-1. And in the following game, they beat SC East Bengal 6-4.
Key Players
Kerala Blasters FC
Sahal Abdul Samad
The midfielder is key to Kerala Blasters FC performances this season. He scored a beautiful volley goal in the first match. The Hero ISL 2018-19 emerging player of the season, has made 10 tackles and three blocks defensively.
Adrian Luna
The 29-year-old is a high profile signing for KBFC. The midfielder has assisted one goal and created 11 chances for his team in three matches. The Uruguayan has looked in good touch and will play an important role if KBFC is to be successful this season.
Odisha FC
Javi Hernandez
The midfielder has three goals and two assists in two matches. Defensively, he has made two tackles and two interceptions. The Spaniard has the ability to put pin-point crosses from dead ball situations.
Hector Rodas Ramirez
The Spaniard center-back scored two goals in the last match. Along with his center-back partner, Victor Mongi, the team has been able to play out from the back. The 33-year-old is a threat from set-pieces. Both his goals in the last match came from a ball swung inside the box by Hernandez.
Key Stats
Head-to-Head Against Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters are without a win against Odisha FC in the four matches that these two sides have played in Hero ISL.
KBFC Aiming to Break This Streak
Kerala Blasters FC are without a win in 11 matches now. Their last victory came against Bengaluru FC in January 2021.
Odisha FC On A Roll
Odisha FC has joint highest number of goals scored in Hero ISL 2021-22. They have scored nine goals in their first two matches.
Match Timings and Telecast Details
Match: Kerala Blasters FC vs Odisha FC
Date: 5 December 2021
Venue: Tilak Maidan Stadium, Vasco da Gama, Goa
Kick-off time: 7.30 pm
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