Kerala Blasters will get to taste some home support they have been waiting impatiently ever since the onset of this season as they host FC Goa for their sixth match in the ongoing ISL.
While the home team will eye putting things right after a weary away run, FC Goa will field a more determined squad after clinching their first ever home win.
Kerala Blasters had gone through some decent outings, which however don’t reflect in the results.
The team holds the sharp edge when taking on the attack but finds things lacking when it comes to netting the ball. Follow the live scores here.
Having scored only four times in their season so far, Kerala Blasters would sure want to build on the same to give the crowds a cheer for at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.
Watch match live streaming on Star Sports website here.
Head coach cum goalkeeper David James would not be giving his squad’s opening home game the miss as he makes the return after opting out of the match in Mumbai.
Ian Humes, the fan favorite of Kerala Blasters, can be billed to be the guiding lad in the squad and much will depend on Pedro Gusmão, the yellow forward who would wish to improve his finishing traits for the matches ahead.
Things looked quite shaky for FC Goa as Zico’s tactics proved lacking in their opening games. But on arriving at Kochi, the team morale would be at the summit after coming back from behind to clinch their maiden three points in their previous game against Delhi.
That would only be boosted by the return of former gunner Robert Pires who ends his suspension period.
FC Goa are no short in attack with the likes of Sheikh Jewel Raja, Tolgay Özbey and Romeo Fernandes promising to spend some time in the opponent half.
The worry lies in the defensive line, which is yet to register a clean sheet in the tournament. Zico’s master plans will heavily revolve around a switch in the defensive tactics that would make the game in perfect balance.
With the two teams sharing equal points, Kerala Blasters stands just atop their opponents, who are pushed to last spot on goal difference.
A win in today’s game would not take them above the fifth spot, but can build a high morale to fight for the top in the coming games.