KOCHI: Kerala Blasters will come up against Bengaluru FC in one of the most highly anticipated matches of the Hero Indian Super League (HISL) in front of a sellout crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday.
The two teams have one of the most passionate set of fans in the league and their constant banter is what makes this a spicy affair. Last season when Bengaluru FC came to Kochi on the eve of New Year, they thumped three goals in what was Rene Meulensteen’s final game in-charge. This was the biggest home defeat for Kerala last year. “Bengaluru FC are one of the best teams in the league. This will be a make or break game for us. We go into every game to try and get the three points and tomorrow is no different. We are desperate for a win” said assistant coach Hermann Hreiðarsson. The Kerala technical staff have identified their profligacy upfront as one of the important reasons why they are not able to convert draws into wins.
Hreiðarsson said Kerala will make changes in order to keep the squad fresh. Bengaluru FC look in sublime form with Miku firing on all cylinders. In their previous tie in Kolkata, Carles Cuadrat’s side conceded in the opening quarter of the game and were struggling to break the opposition defence until Miku produced a moment of brilliance from a set-piece. (PTI)
