ISL 2024: Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters FC; What To Expect
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
ISL 2024-25: Team Strengths, Concerns And Key Players – Part 1
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season is here and it’s already looking crazier than a last-minute VAR call. The teams are locked in and the fans are ready to back them. Here’s part 1 of the team previews at the ISL 2024-25 season. Mohun Bagan Super Giant Once again, they are the Goliaths everyone wants to topple. The new mastermind behind their charge? None other than Jose Molina, the coach who already has an ISL crown on his CV. With a dream team featuring dynamo Dimi Petratos and the ever-dangerous Greg Stewart, Mohun Bagan look primed to run the show. However their stunning defeat in the Durand Cup final reveals they have chinks in their armor. Do they sail through or fall on star power? Mumbai City FC If Mohun Bagan are Goliath, then Mumbai City FC are David with a sling named Lallianzuala Chhangte. The defending ISL champions lost big names like Apuia, however with the deadly combination of Jon Toral and Nikos Karelis, this ship is still cruising smoothly under Petr Kratky. Whether they would retain the silverware in the City of Dreams or get it slipped off just like that soap bar because of wet hands, the question remains. FC Goa Here comes FC Goa, led by the man who has “building champions” on his business card—Manolo Marquez. With Armando Sadiku leading the charge at the front and Iker Guarrotxena coming back for more, Goa’s plan is pretty simple: crash the top four party. With key departures looming as some unwanted referee, it is going to be one heck of a hustle. Odisha FC Odisha FC have pretty much put together an FC Goa reunion tour, bringing Sergio Lobera back to his old squad. With experience not only comes wisdom, but also the dreaded enemy of all athletes—aging legs. Will it be a case of Lobera being able to roll back the years and lead Odisha to glory, or will Father Time strike again? Kerala Blasters Let’s talk Kerala Blasters, where Adrian Luna is literally carrying the team on his back and new coach Mikael Stahre is praying that back doesn’t break. The talent of Luna is a feast to watch for the football fans, unless he gets more to support him, Kerala may struggle to keep pace with the big guns. Chennaiyin FC Chennaiyin FC is abuzz with fresh hope as Owen Coyle returns to the hot seat of managers with big plans of restoring the old glory of the club. Having experience from previously guiding the team to success, Coyle’s experience would come in handy to revive Chennaiyin this season. The team has, however, had a major rebuild this offseason. It could be that just the right mix of fresh youthful talent and more experienced players will yield the perfect blend to fashion a strong playoff push and reinvigorate their winning ways. NorthEast United The appointment of a new coach, Juan Benali, is going to herald a new era in their pursuit of excellence. After NorthEast United had to confront those lean spells for almost a season or so, with the innovative tactics of Benali, everything needs a change. NorthEast United hope that their underdog spirit may bring some surprises to the league this season. Thanks to key new signings and restructuring, they are the dark horses of the season that might well crash into the elite party, break the established pecking order and pull off an unforgettable playoff run. So, get the popcorn ready, as this ISL 2024-25 season is going to be a mouthful of goals, drama and magical football. Shall we see dominance from the Big Three or some upsets? The only sure thing is that it will be quite a ride. Stay tuned for part 2 of the team previews at the ISL 2024-25 season. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye