Kerala Blasters have garnered seven points from four matches under David James and are lying in sixth place. ISLKochi: Kerala Blasters will be keen to avenge their defeat at the hands of FC Goa when the two sides clash in the Indian Super League here on Sunday.
Blasters were handed a 5-2 drubbing by the Goans in their away tie. Much water has flowed under the bridge since then. Blasters have parted ways with Dutch coach Rene Muelensteen and brought in David James at the helm. The Englishman has succeed in instilling a fresh lease of life both among the Blasters players and their passionate supporters.
Blasters have garnered seven points from four matches under James and are lying in sixth place in the 10-team league with 14 points from 11 games. Despite the 2-1 defeat by Jamshedpur FC (JFC) in their last encounter, two away wins over Delhi Dynamos and Mumbai City FC have boosted Blasters' hopes of making it to the semifinals.
But, they will have to contend with the Goans who have notched up the most number of goals (22) so far this season. Goa are sitting pretty in fourth place with 16 points from just nine games and will be hoping to consolidate their position.
A hat-trick by Spanish forward Ferran Corominas in the space of seven minutes blew away Blasters in Margao. Blasters captain Sandesh Jhingan and his fellow defenders will have their task cut out against Corominas and his strike partner Manuel Lanzarote.
Grueling schedule
Sunday's match will be Blasters' fourth in 12 days and the wear and tear is likely to take its toll on the players. Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov continues to be on the sidelines, while Ugandan midfielder Keziron Kizito was substituted after picking up an injury against JFC.
The Goans, on the other hand, are well-rested after a 9-day break and will be raring to go. Sergio Lobera's men have played an attractive brand of football and the trend is likely to continue Sunday as well.
The big plus for Blasters is that Canadian striker Iain Hume is back in form. The Yellow Brigade will be pinning their hopes on the tireless warrior yet again in the crucial fixture.
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