More than just a derby as Kerala Blasters take on Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin and Jamshedpur would want full points to ensure qualification, but Kerala also stand an outside chance.
Kerala Blasters players during a training session in Kochi on Thursday. | Albin Mathew
Kerala Blasters players during a training session in Kochi on Thursday. | Albin Mathew

KOCHI: It’s now or never for teams vying for the top-four slot in the Indian Super League. With two matches to play, it is tipped to be a real scramble until the last minute of the group stages.

Sitting pretty at the top of the standings, Bengaluru FC have already secured qualification while FC Pune City have one foot in the semis, needing just two draws from as many games. The battle for the remaining two spots looks to be mainly between Chennaiyin FC, Jamshedpur FC and Kerala Blasters FC who have 28, 26, and 24 points respectively from 16 matches.

Chennaiyin and Jamshedpur would want full points to ensure qualification, but Kerala also stand an outside chance and a victory over Chennaiyin in their final home game at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on Friday will push their case.

A victory would take them to the top-four and within a point of their opponents. Three more points from their last match away at Bengaluru, followed by losses for Chennaiyin, Mumbai, and Goa in their final matches, could see them achieve the desired outcome. Seems like a far cry, but the dominoes have been falling into place for the Kochi club since David James took over as head coach in January. “David came in with a very positive attitude and has totally transformed the team. He has given them the licence to play offensively and try and win every game,” said Chennaiyin coach John Gregory.

“My previous experience as a head coach was a matter of question when I came,” said James. “But from day one, it was about how Blasters is about everyone involved with the club. And not just the players and the coach. So without wanting to make it sound too easy, it was still easy to instil confidence in everyone with the support staff I had,” he said.

With a lot riding on the game, both teams are keen on clinching the three points. “We will be looking to win the game. Getting a late goal to draw against Jamshedpur was almost like a win for us. We have had five days to recover and prepare since that match and are in very good shape,” Gregory said.

“It will be a massive derby. But I believe in the confidence of my players to get three points. Even if they do that, we will have to win against Bengaluru. And after that, if we reach the play-offs, we have to go for the win there as well. So, we have to keep winning — as simple as that,” said James.

adwaidh@newindianexpress.com

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