Bhubaneswar: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters will lock horns in a crucial Indian Super League (ISL) encounter, both aiming to build on recent positive results at Kalinga Stadium here on Thursday.
The Kalinga Warriors returned strongly after two defeats with a dominating display against the Red Miners, and another win will lift the Odisha FC to the top half of the table.
Meanwhile, the Kochi outfit comes into the game on the back of a draw against NorthEast United FC in Guwahati. The Blasters lost their opening encounter against Punjab FC at home, before winning against East Bengal FC in Kochi.
Odisha FC play their third home game in four matches this season so far and will head for an extended break before facing East Bengal later this month.
The two sides met twice at the Kalinga Stadium last season, with the hosts running out victors on both occasions. Odisha FC won 2-1 in the league stage encounter, with Roy Krishna scoring a second-half brace after Dimitrios Diamantakos had put the Blasters ahead. They met again in the knockout stage, playing out a thriller. Fiodor Cernych’s 67th minute strike put the visitors ahead, but the Blasters could not hold on for a win as Diego Mauricio scored four minutes from time to take the game to extra time. Isak’s goal in the first half of extra time proved enough to break the deadlock as Odisha FC progressed to their first semi-final of the ISL.
Odisha FC: The hosts will continue to be without defenders Carlos Delgado and Saviour Gama. Midfielder Hugo Boumous is expected to be available after recovering from a minor injury.
Kerala Blasters FC: The visitors have made significant changes to their squad, with the departure of former talisman Dimitrios Diamantakos and the acquisition of winger Noah Sadaoui. Skipper Adrian Luna will lead the team.
