At home in familiar environs, Kerala Blasters seeks to end its sequence of draws when it takes on a very strong Bengaluru FC in the ISL at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here on Monday.
Blasters task is that much more difficult considering that it is yet to register a win against Bengaluru after having lost both its matches last season.
Sunil Chhetri and Venezuelan striker Miku have once again forged a dangerous partnership upfront for Bengaluru and are among goals this season.
The Blasters defence — led by captain Sandesh Jhingan — will have to be at its best to neutralise the twin threats and prevent the visiting side from registering its third win this season.
Miku and Chhetri have converted half-chances and more importantly have scored in the dying minutes. The home defence cannot afford to lower its guard against the two strikers.
Strength in defence
Visiting coach Carles Cuadrat acknowledged that the host’s strength is its defence and said his team will have to work hard. “It will be a tough match. Kerala Blasters has a strong defence and with the crowd support it will be a hard game for us. It is difficult to win a point against this side,” he said.
Despite the string of four consecutive draws, Kerala Blasters assistant coach Hermann Hreioarsson was upbeat and said his side did well in those matches. “If you look at the figures in those matches, especially in the second half, we had more of the ball and created more chances than our rivals. There are certain areas which need attention and we are working on them,” he said.
In-form striker C.K. Vineeth said it is a must-win match for the host and the team was braced for a tough match. “There are no easy matches in the ISL. Bengaluru is a pretty strong team but we will be playing hard against them.
“It all depends on the execution of our plans and how well we play on that particular day. Except for the poor first half against Jamshedpur FC, I think we were in control in all our other matches.
“Yes we conceded late goals but it happens. What happened is past and we are very much confident that we can give Bengaluru a run for its money,” he said.