ISL | Arduous task for Blasters as mighty Mohun Bagan make a visit

Need of the hour: Captain Luna will have to step up as KBFC will miss the services of Noah for at least a couple of weeks.
| Photo Credit: X@KeralaBlasters

Kerala Blasters FC faces an arduous task to keep its playoff hopes alive when it meets table topper Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here on Saturday.

KBFC, which is currently placed eighth with 24 points, is seven points adrift of sixth-placed Mumbai City FC and needs a win against Mohun Bagan. 

Though Blasters’ recent form has been encouraging, it needs to end its miserable record of never winning a home match against the Mariners.

The absence of injured Noah Sadaui will make the task even harder for KBFC against an opponent which has conceded the least number of goals (14) in this Indian Super League season.

Noah, with seven goals and five assists, has been one of the in-form players for Blasters. However, coach T.G. Purushothaman chose to play down the Moroccan star’s absence.

Similar approach

“We have studied the strengths and weaknesses of all opponents and we have a similar approach to this match as well. We will stick to our plans and our objective is to take three points,’‘ he said.

Jose Molina’s side is perched at the top (46 points) and comes into this match high on confidence after blanking Punjab FC 3-0. The Mariners have pumped in 39 goals and the fragile Blasters defence will be challenged.

However, Molina refused to believe that his side is the favourite and pointed out the recent resurgence of Blasters as the reason. But with FC Goa in hot pursuit, the coach said his team will go all out for a victory.