Chennaiyin FC are desperate to improve their lackluster form with a win against Kerala Blasters in the Southern derby.
The Tuskers went down 1-0 late against East Bengal with Marina Machans playing an entertaining 2-2 draw against playoff rivals Odisha FC.
KBFC vs CFC Match Details
Date: Tuesday, 7 February 2023
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi
KBFC vs CFC Match Preview
Having recovered from their back-to-back losses with a win over NorthEast United, falling to another defeat at the start of this against East Bengal became a hard one to engulf for Kerala Blasters. They conceded a late goal from Cleiton Silva having failed to produce from holding more possession of the ball and three shots on target. The deficit could have been higher if not for Karanjit Singh’s excellence between the sticks. East Bengal’s goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh also had a fascinating evening making it difficult for the Tuskers. This was also the first defeat for them against the Red and Golds in any ISL meetings. Not only that, Ivan Vukomanovic’s side now runs a serious risk of falling off the playoff places if they continue to lose points. Only four points separate them from Odisha FC in seventh with a win for any of FC Goa, ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC will replace them in third if they fail to win their game on Tuesday. Kerala Blasters will face the latter two in the last four games in the league phase after facing Chennaiyin FC and ending with a clash against second-placed Hyderabad FC. It will be a difficult job to keep their heads high in this intense race for the playoffs.
However, the Yellow Army have won all of their last five home games which will sound troubling for Chennaiyin FC as they make the trip to Kochi. The point shared in the 2-2 draw against Odisha FC last week helped the home side rather than the Marina Machans who had to win to keep their hope for playoff qualification alive. All is not lost but the points drop extends their points gap from the top six to seven. Their result has to improve in the last four games of the league and hope other chasers have a downfall. It is fair to say that destiny is simply not in their hands. Thomas Bradaric’s men also had to rescue their game with Juggernauts twice from losing position. They are winless in the league since early December last year. In the following seven games, there have been five draws and two defeats. Now, Chennaiyin FC have a huge task in securing their first win in 2023 to refigure their charge for the playoffs. The Marina Machans face Kerala Blasters next in a Southern derby, welcome East Bengal at home, face FC Goa away and round off the season against NorthEast United. The games against the sides bottom of them will be crucial but the aim will be to snatch points out of the playoff favorites.
Recent Form
KBFC: LWLLW
CFC: DLDDD
KBFC vs CFC Team News
Head coach Ivan Vukomanovic said as many as 15 players are affected by a fever outbreak in the squad with forward Apostolos Giannou the latest to the list. However, center-back Marko Leskovic is back in training after recovering from a calf injury. It comes as a massive injury boost for the Tuskers. Winger Nihal Sudeesh is not available due to an ankle injury he picked up in the Kerala Premier League game and will undergo tests.
Right-back Ajith Kumar will be available again for Chennaiyin FC after serving his one-match ban with Edwin Vanspaul dropping out. Abdenasser El Khayati was frustrated with being substituted after the hour-mark following his first start from injury. The Dutch international has likely regained full fitness and will be able to play full games from now on.
KBFC vs CFC Predicted Lineups
KBFC: Kamaljit Singh; Harmanjot Khabra, Ruivah Hormipam, Victor Mongil, Jessel Carneiro; Rahul KP, Jeakson Singh, Ivan Kaliuzhnyi, Bryce Miranda; Dimitri Diamantakos, Adrian Luna
CFC: Samik Mitra; Ajith Kumar, Gurmukh Singh, Fallou Diagne, Aakash Sangwan; Julius Duker, Anirudh Thapa; Ninthoi Meetei, El Khayati, Vincy Barretto; Petar Sliskovic
KBFC vs CFC Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Kamaljit (4.5)
DEF: Ajith (7.5), Hormipam (7.5), Sangwan (8.5)
MID: El Khayati (9), Kaliuzhnyi (9), Duker (8.5), Barretto (7.5)
FW: Diamantakos (8.5), Sliskovic (9), Luna (9)
Vice-captain: Nicolas Luna
Captain: El Khayati
Stay tuned to Fantasy Football for upcoming matches.
