ISL 2017: Preview - Kerala Blasters FC vs Jamshedpur FC – Foreign signings must combine

IN THEIR RESPECTIVE SECOND round matches, both Kerala Blasters FC and Jamshedpur FC will be looking to get a win. A goalless draw and a point each is what both teams came out with but both matches were contrastingly different, irrespective of the result.

Kerala Blasters FC has some star names in them but the first night of stars playing for the team failed to get and spotlight on them. Wes Brown, Berbatov both big names at English Premier League's Manchester United FC during their career best. Brown, playing in defence did not have trouble to keep the attackers at bay but Berbatov was mostly seen a free role causing little trouble to the opposition. Of course, Berbatov is a striker who is best at finishing and does brilliantly to finish off balls fed to him in the final third. To use his strength, the Kerala will have to get in more supply to him or get in a withdrawn striker to link up with the Bulgarian. Iain Hume was subbed off after the hour mark signaling his failed impact on the front line. Rene could try a different combination other Hume-Berba to understand the effect. The midfield of KBFC can do much more to hold the distribute the ball to the wings.

Jamshedpur chased the game for most time in their last time. They were pressed down well by the pace of the opposition. This is cue for Coppell to fortify the midfield and disallow possession in their half. Also, Jamshedpur will look to involve ball-winning players in both defence and mids to make sure they can do a lot more with the ball.

Defences of both teams were not tested much owing to the opposition's weak play in the final third. Jamshedpur have a more potential and experienced Indian defence and must get the understanding right between their center backs.

Subrata Paul was definitely the hero for his team to pull out some brilliant saves and keep the clean sheet. He will expect his defence hold their ground and use the pace and skill of Sameehg Doutie. Jerry is the one of the promising youngsters in the team but needs support from stalwarts like Mehtab and Trindade. Kerala Blasters will aim to maximize the firepower in the front line bringing the wings more into play.

Tomorrow will also be the day when Steve Coppell faces his former team and fans who led them to a runners-up finish in the last season. Interesting to see how the fans react to him.

Kerala Blasters FC host Jamshedpur FC tomorrow at 8 pm

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