Kolkata, December 13: Mohun Bagan Super Giant are set to face Kerala Blasters FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on December 14, Saturday, at 7:30 pm IST.
Both teams have experienced contrasting fortunes this season, as Mohun Bagan Super Giant have been one of the standout performers, while Kerala Blasters FC are in a pursuit to find consistency. The Mariners have been a formidable force at home, riding on a solid defensive structure and clinical finishing, whereas the Kerala Blasters FC have faced difficulties on the road, especially in defence.
Right now, the home side is placed at the top of the points table with 23 points from 10 games, with seven victories and two draws. The Kochi-based side has collected 11 points from as many matches, notching three wins and a couple of draws thus far.
An interesting facet to note here despite the gap between the two teams in the standings has been their proficiency upfront. The Mariners have found the back of the net 19 times, as compared to the 17 of the visitors. However, while 12 of Kerala Blasters FC’s goals have come through Jesus Jimenez (8) and Noah Sadaoui (4); Mohun Bagan Super Giant have been fairly balanced in this regard, with a host of players contributing with timely strikes, for example: Subhasish Bose (3), Jamie Maclaren (3), Manvir Singh (3), Jason Cummings (2), and Liston Colaco (2), amongst others.
This shows that while the Mikael Stahre-coached side have two stellar attackers to rely upon, the Mariners can instead divide those responsibilities in the final third equitably, thus arguably making them more lethal.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant ticking all key boxes
* Unbeaten Run: The Mariners have made their home ground a fortress this season, winning each of their last four home games. This form is on the brink of mirroring their record-breaking run between October and December 2022, where they registered five consecutive home wins. Will they replicate that feat by securing all three points tomorrow?
* Clean Sheets Galore: Their defensive prowess is evident from the fact that they have kept a clean sheet in six of their last seven ISL games. At home, they have registered three straight clean sheets, reflecting the defensive discipline. In fact, the only time they conceded a goal in their previous seven encounters is also the only game they have dropped points in this period (1-1 draw against Odisha FC – November 10, 2024).
Kerala Blasters FC’s away struggles
* Sluggish Away Form: Kerala Blasters FC have found it tough on the road, winning just one of their last six away games. They have suffered consecutive away losses, conceding goals consistently, as seen in their current 12-game streak without a clean sheet in away fixtures. With such form behind their back, does the team have it in them to upset the table-toppers in their bastion?
* Defensive Concerns: The Kerala Blasters FC have conceded 21 goals in 11 matches this season — their highest tally at this stage of the ISL. Their defensive vulnerabilities have been a major reason for their struggles, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet away from home since December 2023, ironically, against Mohun Bagan Super Giant. With the Mariners distributing their offensive responsibilities admirably well amongst their players, can the visitors come up with a balanced approach to sustain their defensive strength?
Head-to-Head Record
The two teams have faced each other eight times in the league, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerging victorious in six encounters. Kerala Blasters FC have won once, whereas only a solitary game resulted in a draw.
Coach’s Corner
“I want all 26 players to help the team”
Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina expressed that he needs coordinated efforts from his entire squad to keep securing positive outcomes.
“I don’t want 11 players in my team. I want 26 who try to work, try to help the team. Doesn’t matter who is on the pitch, in every moment we can be sure he can fight, he is going to play well. And in my opinion, I think we are achieving that point,” Molina said.
“Football is also about dealing with pressure”
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Mikael Stahre indicated that his team needs to overcome pressure properly but still insisted that he is optimistic regarding their prospects.
“Football is also about dealing with pressure. It is one thing to do something in the training session, but to follow it in the games is important. Still, we have played well and that is why I’m still optimistic,” Stahre said.
Key Battles & Milestones
* Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s Jason Cummings has been ruthless upfront, averaging a goal every 92.6 minutes in 2024. His clinical finishing will be a key factor as the Mariners look to break down Kerala Blasters FC’s leaky defence. Off late, he has become a great resource to bring off the bench for head coach Jose Molina.
* Kerala Blasters FC’s Jesus Jimenez has scored in each of his last four away games. He will be a crucial player for Kerala as they attempt to breach Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s resilient backline, which has conceded the least goals in the league (8) thus far.
* Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s Subhasish Bose returns from his one-game suspension and could make his 100th ISL appearance for the Mariners, as he can become the first player to achieve this milestone for the club. Bose’s leadership and experience at the back will be important as the Mariners aim to maintain their defensive stronghold.
ISL Fantasy
Subhasish Bose (5cr)
The defender has earned the most ISL fantasy points (76) for Mohun Bagan Super Giant this season
Jesus Jimenez (8.6cr)
The striker has bagged the highest ISL fantasy points (62) for Kerala Blasters FC in 2024-25
Indian Super League is being streamed live free on JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam) and telecast live on Sports 18 — 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam). Additionally Sports 18 — 1, Sports 18 — 2; with Sports 18 — Khel and Star Sports 3 also telecasting select ISL matches LIVE.
