The upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 encounter at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, will see Odisha FC clash with Kerala Blasters FC on Thursday, October 3, at 7:30 pm IST.
ISL 2024 Season so Far
Both teams had so far made an uneven performance in the season with one win each from three opening games. Odisha FC had coined a name for the team-the Juggernauts, managed to win its first game of the season by beating Jamshedpur FC 2-1. Kerala Blasters FC could only play out a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC in its last encounter.
Odisha FC’s Dominance Over Kerala Blasters FC
With Sergio Lobera at the helm, Odisha FC will take on Kerala Blasters with an impressive winning record. Having won nine of their last eleven ISL encounters against Kerala Blasters, his success rate stands at a whopping 82%. That’s the highest success rate he has achieved against any team for whom he has played at least five times in the tournament. Odisha FC need to not take this fact lightly as they try to consolidate on their win going forward and move up the ladder.
Agenda For Kerala Blasters FC
Under head coach Mikael Stahre, Kerala Blasters FC will be hoping to improve their dismal form away from home. The team has managed to win just once in eight matches played away from home this calendar year and have conceded in all of those matches.
Stahre is more than happy with how his team has been progressing, though he’s not entirely satisfied with the way things have been going for his team.
Kerala Blasters have shown glimpses of solidity but haven’t yet gotten into a rhythm at full steam.
Head to Head
Kerala Blasters FC lead with nine wins in the 23 games played between these two, while Odisha FC won seven and the other seven matches were drawn.
Key Players
Odisha FC has Mourtada Fall, who recently became part of history, as he is the player who equalled the ISL record for the maximum headed goals scored in a single season with 18 headed goals. Kerala Blasters will have the services of Noah Sadaoui, the player who scored four goals against Odisha-his career best against any team.
As the rivalry between Odisha FC and Kerala Blaster resume, fans anticipate an action packed clash.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
