Kerala Blasters will head to the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar to face off against Odisha FC in the first game of the Hero ISL Playoffs. The team from the South finished the league stage in the fifth position with 33 points. They had a disappointing end to the season as they were able to only secure one win in the last six encounters.
However, this is due to the long list of injuries and suspensions the Blasters have had during the course of the season. Their star player Adrian Luna was out for majority of the season, but he will be back for the crucial game against Odisha FC. The Uruguayan has scored 3 goals and assisted 4 times in just 9 appearances for them. His presence is expected to boost their attack, which has scored 32 goals this season.
During the press conference, the Kerala Blasters coach announced that Dimitrios Diamantakos could miss out on this game. The forward is the current highest goal scorer in the league with 13 goals and he also has three assists to his name. His absence would certainly be felt against an Odisha side that has one of the best defences in the league.
Kerala Blasters have a formidable opponent in Odisha FC
Odisha FC finished the ISL season in fourth position with 39 points. They had the third-best backline in the league as they conceded only 23 goals in the 22 games that they played. One of the big reasons behind Odisha’s resilient defence is Mourtada Fall. The Senegalese has enjoyed a stellar ISL career with successive spells at Mumbai City FC and FC Goa. His stint at Odisha has helped the team massively as he not only contributes on the defensive end but also chips in with goals.
The brilliant attacking duo of Roy Krishna and Diego Mauricio has been the key to Odisha’s brilliant season. Both of them have combined for 22 goals in the season and are in the race to win the Golden Boot. They also have a talented Ahmed Jahouh in their midfield, who has been instrumental in their success. His ability to work hard on the pitch has helped Odisha on many occasions.
Coached by a master tactician Sergio Lobero, Odisha have a side capable of beating any side in the league. They were unbeaten at home in the ISL, which means the Blasters will have to do what no team has done this season if they are to move into the next round. The challenge is certainly a big one, but they have the support of the Manjappada who will be cheering for them every second of the game.
