Bengaluru vs Kerala Blasters: The Indian Super League gears up for a fierce rivalry as Bengaluru FC host Kerala Blasters at the iconic Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Bengaluru, sitting at the top of the table, will look to extend their strong home form against a struggling Kerala Blasters side, languishing near the bottom. With contrasting fortunes in the league, this fixture promises an intriguing battle of tactics and intensity.

Bengaluru vs Kerala Blasters Head-to-Head

• Total Matches Played: 19
• Bengaluru Wins: 10
• Draws: 5
• Kerala Blasters Wins: 4

Last 5 Meetings

1. October 25, 2024: Kerala Blasters 1-3 Bengaluru (Super League)
2. August 23, 2024: Bengaluru 1-0 Kerala Blasters (Durand Cup)
3. March 2, 2024: Bengaluru 1-0 Kerala Blasters (Super League)
4. September 21, 2023: Kerala Blasters 2-1 Bengaluru (Super League)
5. April 16, 2023: Bengaluru 1-1 Kerala Blasters (Super Cup)

Bengaluru has won three of the last five encounters, demonstrating their dominance in recent years.

ISL Standings

Bengaluru leads the league, while Kerala is struggling in 10th place.

Bengaluru vs Kerala Blasters Lineups

Bengaluru FC (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Chinglensana Singh, Vinith Venkatesh
Midfielders: Suresh Wangjam, Pedro Luis Capo; Naorem Roshan Singh, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Edgar Mendez
Forward: Sunil Chhetri

Kerala Blasters FC (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Sachin Suresh
Defenders: Ruivah Hormipam, Pritam Kotal, Milos Drincic, Huidrom Naocha Singh
Midfielders: Vibin Mohanan, Adrian Luna; Sadaoui Noah Wail, Freddy Lallawmawma, Rahul Kannoly
Forward: Jesus Jimenez

10 Key Stats

1. Bengaluru FC has never lost to Kerala Blasters in 11 home matches (6 wins, 5 draws).
2. Kerala Blasters have won only once in their last five encounters with Bengaluru FC.
3. Bengaluru has scored 1.6 goals per match against Kerala Blasters, while Kerala averages 1 goal.
4. Sunil Chhetri has scored 5 goals for Bengaluru this season, while Jesus Jimenez leads Kerala with 7.
5. Bengaluru has the best home record this season (4-1-0).
6. Kerala Blasters score 40% of their goals between the 61st-75th minute.
7. Bengaluru FC scores 35% of their goals between the 76th-90th minute.
8. Bengaluru FC has scored in all five of their home matches this season.
9. Kerala Blasters have failed to score in their last three games against Bengaluru FC.
10. Both teams are coming off defeats in their previous matches.

SWOT Analysis for Bengaluru vs Kerala Blasters

Bengaluru FC

Strengths

1. Home Dominance: Unbeaten in their last 11 home encounters against Kerala Blasters (6 wins, 5 draws).
2. Consistent Form: Top of the table with a strong 4-1-0 home record this season.
3. Experience: Proven performers like Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu provide leadership and consistency.
4. Late-game Impact: 35% of goals scored between the 76th-90th minute, indicating strong closing ability.
5. Solid Defense at Home: Minimal goal leakage at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium this season.

Weaknesses

1. Inconsistent Scoring: Struggles to capitalize on chances early in the game, with low goal contributions between the 31st-45th minute.
2. Defensive Vulnerabilities: Have conceded in each of their last five matches.

Opportunities

1. Opposition’s Poor Form: Kerala Blasters are winless in their last three matches and struggling in 10th place.
2. Exploit Defensive Gaps: Kerala’s defense has shown lapses, with 17 goals conceded this season.

Threats

1. Counter-attacking Play: Kerala’s pace on the flanks and their ability to score in the 61st-75th minute could pose challenges.
2. Overconfidence: A lapse in focus against a desperate team like Kerala could lead to unexpected results.

Kerala Blasters FC

Strengths

1. Individual Brilliance: Jesus Jimenez (7 goals) and Adrian Luna (playmaking ability) provide attacking threat.
2. Scoring Clusters: 40% of goals scored between the 61st-75th minute, reflecting a strong response post-halftime.
3. Potential for Comebacks: Despite losses, Kerala has shown resilience in tight games.

Weaknesses

1. Poor Away Record: No wins in their last 11 visits to Bengaluru.
2. Defensive Lapses: 17 goals conceded in 10 matches, struggling to maintain clean sheets.
3. Inconsistent Performances: Winless in their last three games, showing a lack of momentum.

Opportunities

1. Underestimated Potential: Bengaluru’s overconfidence could be an opening to exploit.
2. Set-piece Advantage: Can capitalize on defensive lapses during free kicks and corners.

Threats

1. Bengaluru’s Late-game Impact: High probability of conceding goals in the final minutes.
2. Pressure from Poor Form: Current 10th place and recent losses might affect team morale.
3. Limited Squad Depth: Injuries or off-form players could leave the team vulnerable.

Bengaluru vs Kerala Blasters Prediction

Bengaluru FC holds a strong upper hand with their home dominance and better form. Kerala Blasters, while capable of surprises, are unlikely to overcome their defensive lapses and poor away form.

Predicted Score: Bengaluru FC 2-1 Kerala Blasters

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