Kolkata, February 14: The defending Shield champions Mohun Bagan SG will play their 21st match of the ongoing Indian Super League season tomorrow against Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. KBFC is currently 8th in the points table with 24 points from 19 matches, while Mohun Bagan SG sits comfortably at the top with 46 points, just a few steps away from reclaiming their 2024-25 ISL Shield.

In the reverse fixture at Mohun Bagan SG’s home, they clinched a stunning last-minute victory over the Yellow Army. However, this match is crucial for Kerala Blasters, as securing a top-six spot seems tough from their current position, with only five matches left.

Before the match, in the last training session, Anirudh Thapa joined the team and trained, however, Ashish Rai and Sahal Samad did not train. Greg Stewart will miss tomorrow’s clash due to his card issue. On the other hand, Noah Sadaoui sustained a minor injury two days ago in the training and, will take one to two weeks to return to the pitch.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant has kept a clean sheet in their last four ISL matches. If they manage another, it will be their longest streak in the competition. In their nine ISL meetings, Mohun Bagan SG has won seven times, Kerala Blasters FC has won once, and one match ended in a draw.

Kerala Blasters FCs Coach and player at pre match conference before the match against Mohun Bagan SG

Eyes will be on Kerala Blasters’ key player, Adrian Luna, tomorrow. He has provided six assists this season and needs one more to match his own record for most assists by a Kerala Blasters player in a single ISL season (7 in 2021-22). In ISL 2024-25, he has created 43 goal-scoring chances and averages 35 passes per game with 80% accuracy. On the other hand, eyes will be on Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s Subhasish Bose. This season, he has won 37 tackles, 43 aerial duels, made 40 interceptions, and 96 recoveries, while also scoring six goals and providing one assist.

COACHES VIEW:

Mohun Bagan SG head coach, Jose Molina, said, “We have prepared for this game just like any other. Our goal is to secure three points, but we know it won’t be easy.”

Kerala Blasters FC interim head coach, TG Purushothaman, stated, “We analyze the strengths and weaknesses of all our opponents, and we have prepared for this match in the same way. We are ready for the game.”