Kerala Blasters need to win and then hope that dame luck smiles on them. ISLBengaluru: Kerala Blasters take on table-toppers Bengaluru FC in their last league match here on Thursday knowing only a win can keep their semifinals hopes alive in the fourth edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).
Currently, Blasters are placed at fifth spot with 25 points after they managed only one point in their goalless draw with Chennaiyin FC, which has made things difficult for them.
Even if Blasters register a win on Thursday, their qualification will depend on the result of the match between FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC.
Blasters would also like to avoid playing the Super Cup qualifiers by finishing at least in top six.
The visitors had a disappointing start to this ISL season and their chances of qualifying looked dismal but by appointing David James in place of Rene Meulensteen as head coach, the side seemed to have made a right call as the former managed to keep the team in the hunt.
The presence of Lalruatthara, who has been a key performer, will boost Blasters' defense. He would be on alert to squeeze out scoring chances coming from Bengaluru strikers' foot.
Blasters defenders Lakic-Pesic and Wes Brown would like to stay away from the prying eyes of the referee as they are one yellow card away from suspension.
On the other hand, Bengaluru, pitted as tournament favorites, have already qualified for the semifinals. They have been on a roll in their debut ISL appearance.
The hosts have won 12 matches and lost four matches and drawn one in 17 matches, and have remained undefeated in their last six matches, which includes five victories.
Striker Miku and captain Sunil Chhetri have been the main driving force as they scored 23 goals between them, out of 33 goals that the team has scored. The Indian captain has netted 10 and Miku 13.
Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu didn't start well, but has found form and played vital role in some of Bengaluru's victories.
Albert Roca's side can afford a defeat, but would like to be focused on maintaining the winning tempo ahead of the knockout stage.
