KBFC Vs EBFC Match Prediction | ISL 2024 predictions
The excitement reaches its peak as Kerala Blasters FC gear up to host East Bengal in what promises to be a thrilling clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
Match Preview
Kerala Blasters FC enter the contest with a comfortable cushion over Bengaluru, holding firm in sixth place. However, they can’t afford to be complacent, especially with two consecutive away matches looming after this fixture. Their recent form has been commendable, notably securing a valuable point in their away fixture against Jamshedpur. But coach Ivan Vukomanovic knows there’s no room for error, especially with a leaky defense that hasn’t kept a clean sheet in five matches.
On the other side, East Bengal finds themselves in a precarious position, having lost momentum since their Kalinga Cup triumph. The visitors are desperate to halt their downward spiral, as they eye a playoff spot. Despite sitting just four points adrift of the top six, they face an uphill battle. But with less pressure playing away from home, they aim to turn the tide in their favor.
Detailed Team Previews
Kerala Blasters FC Preview
Reasons to be cheerful:
– Kerala Blasters produced a decent performance against Jamshedpur.
– The team has scored four goals in the last two matches.
Reasons to be fearful:
– The club has back-to-back away matches to end the regular campaign.
– Kerala Blasters have not kept a clean sheet in the last five matches.
Kerala Blasters picked up a valuable point in the away match against Jamshedpur. The team has only one home game before the end of the regular campaign. After having struggled with away matches throughout the season, coach Ivan Vukomanovic will be looking to get as many points as possible on board. Adrián Luna, Kwame Peprah, Jaushua Sotirio, Sachin Suresh, and Aibanbha Dohling remain the injury concerns for the home team.
Star man – Dimitrios Diamantakos
Dimitrios Diamantakos has been a player on fire over the last few weeks. The 31-year-old has come up with 13 goals in just 16 league appearances this season. This includes three goals in his last two matches. It is very difficult to look beyond Dimitrios Diamantakos at this juncture.
East Bengal Preview
Reasons to be cheerful:
– There is less pressure on East Bengal playing away from home.
– The chances of finishing in the playoffs are still alive.
Reasons to be fearful:
– East Bengal could suffer four consecutive defeats.
– East Bengal could be beaten for the second time this season by Kerala Blasters.
East Bengal has an outside chance of finishing in the top six places given their recent run of form. The team is sitting with 18 points from the 19 matches but the top six places are just four points ahead. However, it would take an astronomical push from East Bengal to get anything out of their top six ambitions. Carles Cuadrat comes into the fixture without Jordan Elsey and José Antonio Pardo unavailable because of injuries.
Star man – Nandhakumar Sekar
Winning Prediction
Nandhakumar Sekar is once again expected to lead the line for East Bengal. The 28-year-old has five goals in 19 appearances in the season with 14 of them coming from the start. The forward has not scored in the last three games, but his overall form in the last few weeks has been pretty good.
In what promises to be a fiercely contested battle, Kerala Blasters FC holds a slight advantage, especially on home turf. With a formidable record of just two losses in 10 home games, they’ll be eager to secure another victory. East Bengal’s recent struggles, coupled with injuries to key players, may further tilt the scales in Kerala Blasters’ favor. While East Bengal’s resilience cannot be discounted, their inconsistent form makes them vulnerable against a determined Kerala Blasters side.
