ISL 2015: Three reasons why Kerala will defeat Kolkata tonight
Kerala Blasters have a golden opportunity to break into the top-four, for the first time this season, as they take on Atletico de Kolkata at Kochi tonight. It is a rematch of last year's final, and although the visitors have a better record in this fixture's short history, Kerala will be confident of turning things around.
Prediction
Kerala Blasters 1-0 Atletico de Kolkata
1.Recent reversal in fortunes for both teams
Atletico de Kolkata are heading into this game on the back of a dismal performance against NorthEast United, on their home turf. It was their fourth defeat in five games and the 4-0 win against Mumbai City seems like a flash in the pan.
Kerala struggled in the league till not so long. Following Peter Taylor’s departure, however, there has been an urgency in their performances and their 2-0 win over Pune City FC showed that the team is on the right track.
It is a tale of two teams heading into opposite direction at the moment. Moreover, Kerala are playing at home and despite being at the bottom of the table, they have faced just one defeat in five home games; in fact, all of their eight points have arrived at home.
2.Kerala's new formation will trouble Kolkata
Kerala were playing a very defensive 5-3-2 formation when Peter Taylor was at the helm, but new manager Terry Phelan has turned the tables with an aggressive 4-3-3 formation. This new three-man attack is bound to cause the struggling Atletico defence lot of problems.
Kolkata's title winning campaign last season was based on their ability to shut out teams with a solid and reliable defence. With Josemi out for the rest of the season and Arnab struggling with his fitness, Kolkata have struggled at the back this time around; they are the only team in the league yet to earn a clean sheet. The new back-four is unlikely to hold fort against a vibrant and rejuvenated Kerala attack.
3.Contrasting depth in attacks
In Mohammad Rafi, Chris Dagnall and Sanchez Watt, Kerala has a diverse and potentially lethal attack. Dagnall provides Kerala with hold-up play, Watt adds pace, while Rafi brings in aerial threat and clinical finishing. The Indian striker has been inspiring form recently, and is their top scorer with four goals.
On the other hand, Atletico will have to once again rely on Iain Hume to deliver the goods. The Canadian striker did score a hat-trick against Mumbai recently, but that is the only match he has scored so far. Hume needs a partner upfront and Antonio Habas cannot provide him with one at the moment.
Kolkata struggled to break down the NorthEast United defence in their last game. They have now failed to score in four of their last five games and things are unlikely to change against Kerala tonight. The home side will certainly outscore Kolkata's one-man attack.
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