ISL 2015: Three reasons why FC Pune will win against Kerala Blasters

Prediction

FC Pune City 2-1 Kerala Blasters FC

1. Balewadi-the fortress

The Stallions have turned the Balewadi Stadium into a fortress, winning three of their four home matches so far. On the other hand, Kerala Blasters have lost both their away games, against Atletico de Kolkata and FC Goa.

2. Kerala's Toothless attack against a strong Pune defence

Peter Taylor's decision to play a defensive 5-3-2 formation has restricted the team's options in the midfield- the team scored only two goals in the last four matches. Even in their last game, they scored just one goal after creating a host of chances against FC Goa and dominating the whole match– which proved costly in the end. They are also up against a Pune defense, who have conceded just three goals in their last four home games.

3. Pune will win the aerial battle

Kerala struggled to defend on set-pieces against FC Goa and both the goals arrived from corners. Pune, on the other hand, are strong in the air and most of the goals they have scored have arrived from crosses. All the Pune strikers, Tuncay Sanli, Yendrick Ruiz, Kalu Uche and Adrian Mutu are strong headers of the ball and should be able to breach the Kerala defence.

Expected line-up