2024-02-02 13:01:35
Bhubaneswar: ‘Injuries, suspensions and loss of key players have all happened to Kerala Blasters. I believe the most important thing about Blasters is their team. They play with a clear plan’ – these are the words of Odisha FC coach Sergio Lobera about the Kerala team ahead of their clash with Kerala Blasters. Lobera’s words explain why Blasters are table toppers at the end of the first quarter of the league. The same thing the crowd will be hoping for when the Blasters come out in the first match of the second leg – a clear plan is needed.
Blasters are returning to the league after a disappointing performance in the Kalinga Super Cup. That was the reaction of coach Ivan Vukumanovic while talking to the media. ‘We have to get back into the groove. Be strong. Ivan’s response was to stay at the top of the points table.
Blasters-Odisha FC match at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar at 8 pm. If they win today, Blasters can overtake Goa with 29 points and return to the top spot in the points table. Odisha is third in the table with 24 points.
As the league enters the second phase, the team’s spearhead and superstar Adrien Luna is not with the team. Kwami Pepra, who slowly found his rhythm and started scoring goals, is also not with the team. Luna has been replaced by Lithuania national team captain Fedor Cernich and Nigerian player Emmanuel Justin has replaced Pepra. Meanwhile, midfield engine Jackson Singh, who was ruled out due to a shoulder injury in the first leg, has returned from injury.
With Luna and Pepra gone, Coach Eve will not be able to implement Plan A on the field. In the last matches without Luna, the coach’s strategy was an organized pressing game with Indian players in the middle. They also won their match against the mighty Mohun Bagan.
Potential line up
The attacking tactics of Blasters will be in front of Dimitrios Diamantakos who is in good form in striking. Indian striker Ishan Pandita is preferred to replace Pepre. Malayalam actor Nihal Sudheesh is also likely.
Japanese player Daisuki Sakai will play in the midfield. Danish Farooq, Mohammad Ayman and Mohammad Azhar will be the assistants in the middle order. Rahul KP will not play today after seeing four yellow cards. Foreign players Marko Laskovic and Milos Drincic will play together in defense. Navocha Singh and Pritam Kotal will be the wing backs. Sachin Suresh also below the goalwall.
Odisha has the best striking power. The Blasters defense will have to work to stop Fiji star Roy Krishna and Brazil striker Diego Mauricio. The presence of Ahmad Jahu in the midfield will also give strength to the hosts. Defensive strongman Murtada Foul will not be on the field today due to consecutive yellow cards. After losing to East Bengal in the Super Cup final, Odisha are back in front of their home crowd.
Cernich on the bench of substitutes
Fans are looking forward to see if Cernich can make up for the loss of Luna. But it is unlikely that the Lithuanian player will be in the starting XI today. Ivan may test the star in the last minutes. Cernich is an experienced player who has played in big venues including the UEFA Nations League. Being taller and having the ability to shoot equally with both legs makes the player strong.
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