Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin: The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi will host an exciting Indian Super League clash between Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin on November 24, 2024. The two southern rivals will face off with both sides eager to improve their standings in the league. Kerala Blasters are looking to break a losing streak, while Chennaiyin hopes to capitalize on their recent form to climb the table.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Meetings: 22
  • Kerala Blasters Wins: 6
  • Chennaiyin Wins: 7
  • Draws: 9

Recent Meetings

1. Feb 16, 2024: Chennaiyin 1-0 Kerala Blasters
2. Nov 29, 2023: Kerala Blasters 3-3 Chennaiyin
3. Feb 7, 2023: Kerala Blasters 2-1 Chennaiyin
4. Dec 19, 2022: Chennaiyin 1-1 Kerala Blasters
5. Feb 26, 2022: Kerala Blasters 3-0 Chennaiyin

Current ISL Standings

• 3rd – Chennaiyin
  • Played: 8 | W: 3 | D: 3 | L: 2
  • Goals: 16 scored, 12 conceded
  • Form: W-D-L-W-D | Points: 12
• 10th – Kerala Blasters
  • Played: 8 | W: 2 | D: 2 | L: 4
  • Goals: 12 scored, 16 conceded
  • Form: D-W-L-L-L | Points: 8

Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin Lineups

Kerala Blasters (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Som Kumar
Defenders: Soraisham Sandeep Singh, Ruivah Hormipam, Milos Drincic, Huidrom Naocha Singh
Midfielders: Alexandre Coeff, Vibin Mohanan, Adrian Luna
Forwards: Korou Singh, Mohammed Aimen, Jesus Jimenez

Key Subs: Danish Farooq, Freddy Lallawmawma, Rahul Kannoly, Noah Sadaoui

Chennaiyin (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Mohammad Nawaz
Defenders: Laldinliana Renthlei, Bikash Yumnam, Ryan Edwards, PC Laldinpuia
Midfielders: Elson Dias Junior, Connor Shields, Farukh Choudhary, Vincy Barretto
Forwards: Wilmar Jordan, Irfan Yadwad

Key Subs: Samik Mitra, Daniel Chima Chukwu, Jitendra Singh

Key Players to Watch

• Kerala Blasters:
  • Jesus Jimenez: Top scorer with 6 goals this season.
  • Adrian Luna: Creative playmaker and key assist provider.
• Chennaiyin:
  • Wilmar Jordan: Matches Jimenez with 6 goals this season.
  • Farukh Choudhary: Reliable performer in the midfield.

10 Key Stats

1. Kerala Blasters score 42% of their goals between the 61st and 75th minute.
2. Chennaiyin score 31% of their goals between the 46th and 60th minute.
3. Kerala Blasters are on a three-match losing streak.
4. Chennaiyin are unbeaten in their last two matches.
5. Kerala Blasters have scored in their last eight games.
6. Chennaiyin have conceded in each of their last five games.
7. Kerala Blasters’ home form: 2.19 goals per match.
8. Chennaiyin’s away form: 1.5 goals per match.
9. Average goals per meeting: 3.0
10. Kerala Blasters have not lost to Chennaiyin in their last four home games.

SWOT Analysis for Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin FC

Kerala Blasters

Strengths:

1. Home Advantage: Kerala Blasters have not lost to Chennaiyin FC in their last four home matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
2. Goal-Scoring Consistency: The team has scored in their last eight matches, showcasing offensive reliability.
3. Clutch Moments: Kerala Blasters are particularly dangerous between the 61st and 75th minutes, scoring 42% of their goals during this period—the highest in the league.
4. Top Scorer: Jesus Jimenez, with 6 goals this season, provides a potent attacking option upfront.

Weaknesses:

1. Defensive Vulnerability: Kerala Blasters have conceded in their last nine matches, indicating defensive frailty.
2. Recent Form: They are on a three-match losing streak, affecting confidence and momentum.
3. Mid-Game Lapses: Lack of defensive stability in the first half often puts them under pressure.
4. Lack of Depth: Key reliance on a few players like Jimenez and Adrian Luna, with substitutes offering limited impact.

Opportunities:

1. Break the Losing Streak: Playing at home provides a chance to regain form and confidence.
2. Exploiting Chennaiyin’s Weak Defense: Chennaiyin have conceded in their last five matches, offering scoring opportunities.
3. Strategic Substitutions: Utilizing substitutes like Noah Sadaoui and Danish Farooq to turn the tide if the starting XI falters.

Threats:

1. Chennaiyin’s Better Form: Chennaiyin are unbeaten in their last two matches and have better recent performances.
2. Counter-Attacks: Chennaiyin’s fast breaks, particularly through Farukh Choudhary and Wilmar Jordan, could exploit Kerala’s shaky defense.
3. Pressure from Home Crowd: High expectations from fans can turn into pressure if the team fails to perform early.

Chennaiyin FC

Strengths:

1. Recent Form: Unbeaten in their last two matches, including a win in their previous meeting against Kerala Blasters (1-0).
2. Goal-Scoring Spread: Multiple players contribute to scoring, with Wilmar Jordan leading with 6 goals this season.
3. Midfield Dynamics: Players like Connor Shields and Vincy Barretto offer creativity and support for forwards.
4. Resilience: The team has shown the ability to recover from deficits, winning 33% of matches when down 1-0.

Weaknesses:

1. Inconsistent Defense: Chennaiyin have conceded in each of their last five games, highlighting defensive gaps.
2. Away Performance: A lower average of 1.5 goals per match on the road indicates they are less effective away from home.
3. Slow Start to Matches: Struggle to control games early, allowing opponents to dictate terms in the first half.
4. Dependence on Wilmar Jordan: Heavy reliance on him for goals could make the attack predictable.

Opportunities:

1. Capitalize on Kerala’s Losing Streak: A chance to exploit the hosts’ low confidence and defensive lapses.
2. Target Key Moments: Scoring 31% of their goals between the 46th and 60th minutes gives them an edge to dominate after halftime.
3. Reinforce Defense: Tightening the backline, especially against Kerala’s second-half surges, can secure points.

Threats:

1. Kerala’s Home Form: The hosts are traditionally strong at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, winning five of the last 11 meetings there.
2. Momentum Shifts: Kerala’s ability to turn games around between the 61st and 75th minutes could catch Chennaiyin off-guard.
3. High-Pressure Encounter: The match’s intensity and physicality could lead to costly mistakes, especially in defense.

Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin Prediction

Both teams have plenty to play for, but Kerala Blasters will be under pressure to perform in front of their home crowd. Chennaiyin, however, enters the match in better form. Expect a closely fought encounter with limited scoring opportunities.

Prediction: Kerala Blasters 1-1 Chennaiyin

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