Kochi: Kerala Blasters will hope to end 2017 on a high when they take on Bengaluru FC in an eagerly awaited Indian Super League (ISL) match here Sunday evening.
Blasters are languishing in eighth spot with only seven points from six games, while BFC occupy the fifth slot with 12 points from seven matches.
Blasters, who managed a last-gasp equalizer against Chennaiyin FC in their previous game, will be desperate to pick up three points at home. Blasters have won one, while the other three home ties have ended in draws this season.
For Blasters to have any hopes of qualifying for the semifinals, they need to make their remaining home games count.
Brown proves his value
The introduction of Wes Brown has indeed brought a fresh lease of life into the Blasters ranks. The experienced Englishman has demonstrated his class and shone as a defensive midfielder. Strikers C K Vineeth and Mark Sifneos have shared four goals between them out of the five Blasters have managed so far.
Apart from the away game against FC Goa, which they lost 2-5, the Blasters backline and goalkeeper Paul Rachubka have held their own. Blasters defense comprising captain Sandesh Jhingan, Brown, Lalruatthara and Nemanja Lakic-Pesic will have their task cut out against BFC strikers Sunil Chhetri and Venezuelan Miku.
Debutants BFC will be keen to return to winning ways having suffered defeats in their last two home encounters. BFC coach Albert Roca and his boys will surely be aware of the threat possessed by Vineeth and Jhingan as the duo used to don BFC colors till last season.
Settled outfit
Roca has a settled unit at his disposal and BFC remain a potent force whether they are playing at home or away.
The marquee clash has been added extra spice with the supporters of both sides treating it as a prestigious affair. The early kick-off (5.30 pm) on New Year's Eve has all the makings of a thriller. The big question is whether the on-field action will live up to the hype.
Read also: More ISL News | Blasters vs Bengaluru FC will be a soccer feast: Chhetri