Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters ISL 2024-25 Preview: Key team news, head-to-head record, predicted lineups, and where to watch the match live.
As the excitement of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season approaches its zenith, Odisha FC is set to take on Kerala Blasters FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Thursday, October 3. The teams are coming into this match with different forms and stages, but one thing is for sure: it will be a war. The Juggernauts, riding on the wave of the first home win against Jamshedpur FC, will look forward to carrying on with the winning trend. On the other hand, Kerala Blasters, who have just drawn with NorthEast United FC, will be aiming to get their first away victory this season.
Odisha FC
Sergio Lobera’s side is finally off the mark, having managed to register their first victory of the season. The Juggernauts have high-profile names like Hugo Boumous and Rahim Ali in their ranks, hence a lot is expected of them. With three points and sitting on the 10th position, they require a winning run so as to enhance their playoffs aspirations. At home, Odisha FC has the upper hand and a good record against Kerala Blasters in their recent meetings.
Not only will a win boost their position in the points table, but it will also send out a strong statement to the other teams in the league. Odisha’s defense, made up of players such as Mourtada Fall, will be necessary for the neutralization of Kerala’s offense. With his captain Carlos Delgado absent, Lobera will need everyone’s assistance to keep Kerala’s threats under control.
FC Kerala Blasters
The current season has kicked off relatively well for the Kerala Blasters, but there still exists the potential of doing better. As a coach, Mikael Stahre has realized that he has to improve on their scoring efficiency. While they dominated the game against NorthEast United FC in their previous match, the latter was not able to create and convert enough chances to win the game.
With a difficult away assignment against Odisha creeping in, Kerala Blasters must be sharp and take every chance that presents itself to them. The likes of Jesus Jimenez and Noah Sadaoui will have to penetrate a very organized defence of Odisha if they are to earn the maximum points. Winning this fixture will help them move up the points table and create a good outlook for the rest of the season.
Injury and Team News
The Odisha FC Captain Carlos Delgado is ruled out. The remaining members of the squad are available and fit. In other news, meanwhile, the fitness of playmaker Adrian Luna remains unclear, with the likelihood of him competing low. However, the rest of the squad is expected to be available.
Head-to-Head
This fixture has been evenly matched over the years:
- Total Matches Played: 23
- Odisha FC Wins: 8
- Kerala Blasters Wins: 8
- Draws: 7
The Juggernauts haven’t lost at home to Kerala Blasters in their last three encounters. Historically, Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters matches have often been closely contested, with 2-1 being the most frequent scoreline when Odisha plays at home.
Predicted Lineups
Odisha FC (4-2-3-1): Amrinder Singh(GK), Jerry Lalrinzuala, Mourtada Fall, Thoiba Singh Moirangthem, Amey Ranawade; Puitea, Ahmed Jahouh; Isak Vanlalruatfela, Hugo Boumous, Jerry Mawihmingthanga; Diego Mauricio
Kerala Blasters FC (4-3-3): Sachin Suresh (GK); Sandeep Singh, Pritam Kotal, Milos Drincic, Naocha Singh; Alexandre Coeff, Vibin Mohanan, Danish Farooq; Rahul KP, Jesus Jimenez, Noah Sadaoui
Match Stats and Trivia
- Odisha FC scores an average of 2.26 goals at home, while Kerala Blasters manage 1.31 goals on the road.
- The last three meetings at Kalinga Stadium between these two sides have all been favorable for Odisha, with Kerala Blasters failing to secure a win.
Telecast and Live Stream Details
The match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Fans can catch the live action for free on Jio Cinema (available in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam). Additionally, the game will be broadcast on Sports 18-3 and Asianet Plus. For international viewers, the match will be available on the OneFootball app.