It’s time for another high voltage match as Kerala Blasters meet Hyderabad FC at the GMC Stadium.
Kerala are still without a win in the ISL and have been far from convincing. Hyderabad on the other hand have made quite a decent start, sitting 8th with 9 points. Pressure seems to be mounting on Kibu Vicuna and if Kerala don’t get a result soon it might force the board to make a decision.
Head to Head:
Kerala and Hyderabad have met only twice in the history of the ISL with both the teams boasting a win. In their last meeting Kerala thrashed the Nizams 5-1 but now things are quite different.
Key Battles:
Aridane Santana vs Bakary Kone:
Aridane has picked up where he left last season and has already scored 4 goals in 5 matches. It will be a tough night for Kone who will look to make amends for his own goal the previous night. Overall it promises to be an exciting duel.
Gary Hooper vs Odei Onaindia:
Gary Hooper has not been near his best this season but has always been involved in all of Kerala’s offensive play. On the other hand Onaindia has been solid at the back for the Nizams and has been instrumental in the very disciplined Hyderabad FC defence. Overall Gary Hooper has a tough task ahead of him against Odei.
Predicted Lineups:
Kerala Blasters-(4-3-3): Albino Gomes (GK), Bakary Kone, Nishu Kumar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Rohit Kumar, Facundo Pereyra, Jessel Carneiro, Rahul KP, Vicente Gomez, Costa Nhamoinesu (C), Jordan Murray.
Hyderabad FC- (4-2-3-1): Subrata Paul (GK), Chinglensana Singh, Odei Onaindia, Akash Mishra, Asish Rai, Nikhil Poojary, Halicharan Narzary, Hitesh Sharma, Mohammed Yasir, Joao Victor, Aridane Santana (C).