TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL. The games will be telecast with the option of English and/or Hindi commentary over their bouquet of television as well as digital platforms.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

 

TEAM NEWS

KERALA BLASTERS:  

Injured: Rino Anto, CK Vineeth, Pritam Singh Doubtful: Dimitar Berbatov  Suspended: Nemanja Lakic-Pesic Key Players: Iain Hume, Courage Pekuson

Sifneos was taken off after suffering a knock in the game against Bengaluru FC but is fit for the clash. Though Berbatov is also ready, the Bulgarian might not start.  

FC PUNE CITY:  

Injured: Isaac Vanmalsawma Absent: Baljit Sahni Suspended: None Key Players: Marcelinho, Adil Khan, Emiliano Alfaro

Baljit Sahni has finished serving his one-match ban after picking the red card against Bengaluru FC but, along with Isaac Vanmalsawma, hasn’t made the trip to Kerala.  

GAME PREVIEW

Kerala Blasters begin their 2018 campaign without Rene Meulensteen, who has parted ways with the club after the 3-1 defeat against Bengaluru FC on December 31st, 2017. 

The finalists from last year have had a poor start to the league this time around, managing just the one victory in seven games so far. Plagued by an inconsistent attack and a porous midfield, the Tuskers have rarely managed to threaten their opponents. Meanwhile, their defence has not really held up well too, with FC Goa putting five past them while Bengaluru netted three goals. 

They have been hampered by injuries to key players like Dimitar Berbatov, Rino Anto and CK Vineeth. Moreover, Nemanja Lakic-Pesic’s suspension will further worry the Blasters’ faithful on Thursday.   

Meanwhile, three of FC Pune City’s five wins have been in away games. They even won three points against a gritty Jamshedpur FC away while NorthEast United were put to the sword in the previous game, with Marcelinho netting a fine hat-trick. 

Adil Khan and Emiliano Alfaro have also shined for the Stallions in recent games. Young winger Ashique Kuruniyan has also done justice to his place in the starting line-up and netted a goal against NorthEast United. 

Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith too has been impressive of late between the sticks. Pune City will fancy their chances against a demoralised Kerala Blasters side, with the fearsome attack they possess expected to score goals in Kochi. 

Will Kerala Blasters come up with a response on Thursday night or will Pune City pile further misery on them?