ISL 2024-25: Underperforming Chennaiyin and Kerala Blasters battle for crucial playoff points

ISL 2024-25: Underperforming Chennaiyin and Kerala Blasters battle for crucial playoff points

In the latest instalment of the highly anticipated southern derby in Indian football, Chennaiyin FC will host Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Thursday.

Despite the Blasters appearing stronger on paper, it’s tough to pick a favourite, considering both teams are languishing in the bottom half of the table (Chennaiyin in 10th with 18 points and Kerala Blasters in 8th with 21), and both are coming into this clash after a loss.

Chennaiyin, under Owen Coyle, succumbed to a 0-2 away defeat against FC Goa, while Kerala Blasters suffered a narrow 1-2 loss against East Bengal in Kolkata.

Chennaiyin’s decision to bring in former Blasters defender Pritam Kotal during the January transfer window has been a hot topic. Kotal, citing a lack of playing time at Kerala, moved to Chennaiyin. Ahead of this match, Kotal will be the centre of attention as he faces former teammates such as Adrian Luna and Noah Sadaoui — players whose style of play he is well-acquainted with.

“We certainly wanted to strengthen our backline. We have Ryan [Edwards] and several others, but you can never have enough leaders with experience, especially since we have a young squad. Pritam had an excellent performance against Mohun Bagan, and we want that to continue. He is looking forward to competing against one of the most talented forward lines in the league,” Coyle told reporters ahead of the match.

Chennaiyin’s Scottish head coach is a strong advocate of prioritising chance creation over goals, saying he’d be more concerned if his players aren’t getting into good scoring positions than if they aren’t finding the net.

With the league phase nearing its conclusion, Coyle understands that every point is crucial for securing a vital playoff spot. Against the Blasters, he’s likely to field an attacking lineup, which would see Irfan Yadwad and Wilmar Jordan Gil playing at the top of the classic 4-4-2 formation.

Connor Shields, one of Chennaiyin’s brightest sparks in terms of chance creation, tops the ISL charts with eight assists. He is expected to play on the right wing, with Kiyan Nassiri on the opposite flank — Nassiri’s pace and powerful shot will be key. Lalrinliana Hnamte and Jitendra Singh will operate in the middle of the park.

It’s unlikely that Coyle will alter his four-man backline of P.C. Laldinpuia, captain Ryan Edwards, Elsinho, and Kotal, who can also play as a centre-back if the situation demands.

Kerala’s interim head coach, T. G. Purushothaman, has done a decent job of stabilising the team after the directionless approach under Mikael Stahre, which led to the Swede’s sacking.

With the Blasters also chasing a playoff spot, this clash is crucial for both points and morale, especially after remaining winless in their last two games.

“We are taking all the matches step by step. We know that they [Chennaiyin] are strong opponents. I think all the teams in the ISL are. We will respect our opponent, but we know what we need to achieve and are planning for that,” said Purushothaman.

As always, Adrian Luna will be Kerala’s focal point for chance creation. If Purushothaman opts for his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, Luna will operate in the No. 10 role just behind the lone striker.

In a surprise move against East Bengal, Purushothaman fielded centre-back Milos Drincic as the lone forward, a tactical decision that backfired. This suggests that the Indian coach is unlikely to repeat this approach against Chennaiyin. Jesus Jimenez or Kwame Peprah will probably start as the No. 9, with Sadaoui and Korou Singh Thingujam on the left and right flanks, respectively.

Freddy Lallawmawma and Vibin Mohanan will operate as the two holding midfielders in front of the four-man backline of Sandeep Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Milos Drincic, and Aiban Dohling, who should be available after his direct red card against NorthEast United FC was downgraded to a yellow following an AIFF Disciplinary Committee review.

Chennaiyin has never lost a home match against Kerala since the inception of the ISL, but Coyle’s men will take the field against Kerala having won just one home match this season. While Coyle sees this as the perfect opportunity to play a rival in a derby match, it remains to be seen who will have the last laugh — will it be the home fans in blue, or the traveling Manjapaddas, who create an electrifying atmosphere wherever they go?