Panaji: The Southern Derby takes center stage tonight as league leaders Bengaluru FC visit their arch-rivals, Kerala Blasters FC, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Currently sitting at the top of the table, Bengaluru FC is in high spirits, while Kerala Blasters, eager to bounce back from earlier setbacks, aim to hand the Blues their first defeat of the season.
After a rocky start to the season with a 1-2 loss to Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters FC have found their rhythm, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches. The team has secured two victories and two draws, showcasing a marked improvement. Head coach Mikael Stahre expressed satisfaction with how well his players have adapted to his footballing philosophy. The Blasters hope to leverage their home advantage, as they look to continue a trend that has seen the home side win every match in this fixture since the 2019-20 season, with the last away victory by Bengaluru FC coming in November 2018.
Bengaluru FC boasts a formidable defense, having not conceded a goal in the current ISL season. They have kept a clean sheet in their last five matches, tying for the longest such run in league history. However, past performances in Kochi have been less favorable; Bengaluru has never kept a clean sheet in five ISL games at this venue and has suffered three consecutive losses there.
Offensively, Bengaluru FC leads the league in shot conversion rate, capitalizing on their opportunities effectively. Although they average the fewest shots per game (11), their ability to convert chances (14.6%) adds a potent edge to their attacking play.
The historical matchup between the two teams favors Bengaluru FC, who have won nine out of 15 encounters in the ISL. Kerala Blasters have secured just four victories, with two matches ending in draws. Overall, Bengaluru has scored 24 goals in this fixture compared to the Blasters' 16.
Stahre emphasized the importance of maintaining intensity and confidence in his team’s play. He stated, “We want to play a fast game with a lot of confidence. We want to be very competitive, and for every match, there are different game plans. About 80% of our strategy is our core philosophy, while 20% involves adjustments based on our opponent.”
On the other side, Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza highlighted the impact of 25-year-old Naorem Roshan Singh, who has been a standout player this season. With four interceptions, nine tackles, and one goal, his contributions are invaluable on both ends of the field. Zaragoza praised Singh’s defensive skills and emphasized his growing confidence as he continues to represent the national team.
