Odisha FC begin the next chapter of the 2021/22 season against table toppers Kerala Blasters looking to make a tight grip on the spot by continuing their incredible unbeaten run. It will be an all important clash set to take place in Mormugao.
OFC vs KBFC Match Details :
When: Wednesday, January 14th
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Where: Tilak Maidan
OFC vs KBFC Match Previews :
Odisha FC felt the postponement of their game against ATK Mohun Bagan due to Covid problems in the Kolkata side camp put a dent to the momentum that was building after their impressive 4-2 win over Mumbai City FC to start the new year. The decision was made on the day of the game and a new rule was drafted to avoid any more matches getting called off due to unavailability of a window to fit one. Considering the win came after a series of miserable performances last year, it was chance for Odisha FC to create their magic of early season. The victory put them in eighth spot with 13 points and moving within three points of the playoff places. Kiko Ramirez will try his best to keep his boys motivated facing a solid opposition next in Kerala Blasters who haven't lost a game since the opening day of the season.
Ivan Vukomanovic's men heated up the title race claiming an elusive 1-0 win over fellow challengers Hyderabad FC. That meant Kerala Blasters have extended their unbeaten run to nine games. In that period, they have won four and drawn five matches. With Mumbai City losing their game against Bengaluru FC, the Tuskers ended the day on top of the table. Alvaro Vazquez strike in the 42nd minute against the Nizams may have been the most important strike of the season. Ending the first half of the season in the best possible way, attention now turned for the Yellow Army to continue their impressive form facing a side beaming with confidence and have got more time to prepare for the game. Hence, It will be a challenging task for KBFC to not only maintain their form on Wednesday but for the rest of the campaign.
Recent Form :
Odisha FC: LDLW
Kerala Blasters: WWDDW
OFC vs KBFC Team News :
Captain Jessel Carneiro injured his shoulder in the 1-0 win over Hyderabad FC and he will be a big miss on the full back spot for Kerala Blasters FC. Other than him, there are no other problems in the squad. Harmanjot Khabra also picked up a knock in the game but he is available for a training session. Coach Ivan Vukomanovic will decide then whether to include him in the starting eleven. Rahul KP and Albino Gomes remain absent. Meanwhile, Kiko Ramirez's Odisha doesn't't have any injury issues ahead of facing the Tuskers.
OFC vs KBFC Expected Lineups :
Odisha FC: Kamaljit Singh; Hendry Antonay, Hector Rodas, Victor Mongil, Sahil Panwar, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Thoiba Moirangthem, Issac Vanmalsawma, Nanda Kumar, Jonathas Jesus, Javi Hernandez
Kerala Blasters: Prabhsukhan Gill; Harmanjot Singh Khabra, Marko Leskovic, Ruivah Hormipam, Denechandra Meitei, Sahal Abdul Samad, Jeakson Singh, Lalthathanga, Adrian Luna, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Alvaro Vazquez.
OFC vs KBFC Head to Head :
Against all odds, Kerala Blasters took all three points in the 2-1 against Odisha FC on the back of a spirited start to this ISL season. All three goals came in the second half of the match. Alvaro Vazquez got his first goal of the season in the 62nd minute before Prasanth sealed the points for the tusker. Nikhil Raj netted for Odisha FC but by then it was too little too late for the Juggernauts. Star man Adrian Luna delivered two assists on the evening.
OFC vs KBFC Dream11 Team Prediction :
GK: Prabhsukhan (KBFC)
DEF: Hormipam (KBFC), Rodas (OFC), Leskovic (KBFC)
MID: Jerry (OFC), Luna (KBFC), Vanmalsawma (OFC), Javi (OFC), Sahal (KBFC)
FW: Vazquez (KBFC), Jonathas (OFC)
