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Kerala Blasters FC and Bengaluru FC will face off on September 21 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi to begin the tenth season of the Indian Super League, which has been eagerly anticipated. Specifically because of a contentious Sunil Chhetri free-kick goal from this match last year, there was considerable criticism around it. Ivan Vukomanovic left the field in protest when the referee decided to allow the goal with more than fifteen minutes of play left.
Although the effects of that tragedy had a significant impact on the Blasters, they are now focused on starting over after a poor season. They have increased the depth of their team by adding a number of seasoned players throughout the transfer window, despite some significant losses and numerous injuries in the preseason. Bengaluru FC, their rivals, underwent a roster turnover but yet appears to be as powerful as ever despite coming in second place the season before.
Although the first team did not compete in the Durand Cup, it did have a lengthy preseason under Simon Grayson’s direction. The revamped group will be prepared to perform at its peak in front of a supportive audience for the Kerala Blasters.
Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC: Head-to-Head record
This match has historically been heated, yet only one side has historically dominated this rivalry. Out of their 13 games, Bengaluru FC has won eight of them, compared to just three victories for the Blasters. The Tuskers are on the upswing, though, since all three of their victories have come at Kochi.
With goals from Marko Leskovic, Dimitrios Diamantakos, and Apostolos Giannou, the Blasters prevailed in a thrilling 3-2 victory in this matchup last year. The controversial playoff match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in March was just one of the two subsequent meetings that the Blues won 1-0 as payback.
Matches played: 13
BFC wins: 8
KBFC wins: 3
Draws: 2
Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC: Team News
Since Kerala Blasters head coach Vukomanovic is still out on suspension, assistant coach Frank Dauwen will take over as the team’s leader and be in control on the sidelines. Dimitrios Diamantakos, a Greek striker who scored in this match last year, will also be absent.
Due to their absence from the pre-season tour in the UAE, Ishan Pandita and Saurav Mandal are also inaccessible. Furthermore, because they are currently representing India at the Asian Games 2023, Rahul KP and Bryce Miranda won’t be part of the team.
Since Bengaluru FC’s first team hasn’t yet participated in a competitive match this year, all of their players are healthy. Sunil Chhetri and Rohit Danu, who will be representing India at the Asian Games in 2023, will be missed, though.
