ISL 2015: Undefeated Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters clash in repeat of last year’s final

The finalists of the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League come face to face as Atletico de Kolkata host Kerala Blasters in their first home game of the season. The Salt Lake Stadium is set to come alive as the legendary Pele graces the match with his presence as both sides look to continue their undefeated runs.

While Atletico de Kolkata retrieved a crucial one point with ten men against FC Goa in their previous match, Peter Taylor’s Kerala Blasters saw off a late Mumbai City FC surge to play out a goalless draw at Kochi. Many will argue the tactical battle between Atletico and the Blasters will be an evenly matched one considering the inclination of both managers to uphold the defensive solidarity of their teams. However, injuries and suspensions have severely affected the home side.

The team’s attacking set-up has taken a hit with marquee signing Helder Postiga sidelined for four weeks and Baljit Sahni suspended for two matches. Rino Anto and Arnab Mondal sat out the last two games with injuries and are unlikely to feature in the starting line-up. Antonio Habas remained confident however that the players available are capable to get three points. “It has been a difficult start for us, we are prepared though. I am very happy with my squad as it is fantastic,” said the 58-year-old.

Taylor downplayed any advantage they might have due to Atletico missing key players and admitted Habas’ side are tough competitors. “We have a lot of respect for Kolkata. We know they won the competition last year; we know they have a strong team; we know they have had a bit more rest than us,” he said.

Regarding his own set-up, Taylor opined, “We have two players away with the national team – Sandesh Jhingan and Calvin Lobo and it is lovely that these players are playing for India, but no fresh injuries from Saturday do help our cause.”

Following the draw against Mumbai City, Taylor had spoken about keeping his players fresh and changing things in every match. Continuing the tradition, Mohammad Rafi is expected to start up front after young Manandeep Singh took over the mantle from the experienced forward in the last game.

The Blasters will continue to adopt a tactical approach similar to their previous matches though, with their manager selecting the players solely on the basis of fitness: “Tiredness not only affects the performance, but may also cause injuries,” Taylor said.

The match at Salt Lake stadium will be on a newly laid turf, an aspect which pleased both managers. “It is good for everybody,” admitted Habas although Trevor Morgan, assistant coach of Kerala, weighed in that matters will even out as Atletico de Kolkata will be playing their first ever game on that particular turf.

Tactically, Kerala Blasters need to rectify their shortcomings on the attacking front and Taylor hoped his team will build from their good start, in which they have played some excellent as well as frustrating football. Talking about his side’s penchant for conceding late goals, Habas refuted claims of lapses in concentration and assured his team is keen to earn a clean sheet.

A rehash of last season’s finale, the match between Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters promises to be a closely contested affair, but both coaches maintained last season’s result or the sub-plots surrounding the match won’t play any crucial role. “There is nothing to prove. We were massively disappointed, but must respect Atletico and use it as an incentive,” concluded Morgan.