Blasters eager for win over BFC

Kerala Blasters will look to keep themselves in contention for a play-off berth when they take on table-toppers Bengaluru FC in their last league match of the Indian Super League here on Thursday.

Currently, the Blasters are placed at fifth spot with 25 points after they managed only one point in their goal-less draw against Chennaiyin FC, which made things difficult for them.

Even if Blasters register a win tomorrow, their qualification will depend on the result of the matches of other teams — FC Goa, Mumbai City FC and Chennayin FC.

Blasters would also like to avoid playing Super-Cup qualifiers by finishing at least in top six.

The visitors had a disappointing start to this ISL season and their chances of qualifying looked dismal but by appointing David James in place of Rene Meulensteen as head coach, the side seemed to have made a right call as the former managed to keep the team in the hunt.

The presence of Lalruatthara will boost Blasters' defence. He would be on alert to squeeze out scoring chances coming from Bengaluru strikers' foot.

Lakic-Pesic and Wes Brown would like to stay away from the prying eyes of the referee as they are one yellow card away from suspension.

On the other hand, Bengaluru, pitted as tournament favourites, have already qualified for the semifinals. They have been making tremendous strides in their debut ISL appearance right from the start.

The hosts have won 12 and lost four matches and drawn one in 17 matches, and have been on a roll by remaining unbeaten in their last six matches, which included five victories.

Striker Miku and Captain Sunil Chhetri have been the main driving force as they scored 25 goals between them, out of 33 goals that the team scored. The Indian striker has scored 11 and Miku 13 goals.