It's kick-off time: Kerala Blasters to battle champions ATK in ISL opening fixture

Home side Kerala Blasters will be trying to avenge the defeat they suffered at the hands of the Kolkata-based team when the two sides meet at the opening fixture of the ILS 2017-18 season today.

Home side Kerala Blasters will be trying to avenge the defeat they suffered at the hands of the Kolkata-based team when the two sides meet at the opening fixture of the ILS 2017-18 season today. IN PIC: Kochi Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium,the homeground of Blasters is 'all yellow' and set for Thursday's clash. (Photo: EPS| K Shijith) 

The two-time finalists Blasters, however, have won just once in eight meetings against two-time champions ATK, a 2-1 victory that came three years ago. Sherringham's men on the other hand, will be adamant to start thewir campaign on a high. IN PIC: ATK team at practices at the Panampillynagar government school ground in Kochi on Thursday. (Photo: EPS| Melton Antony)

Blasters lost both their finals to ATK, and have conceded 11 so farfrom them. The fact they haven't lost their opening away fixture in three seasons further boosts the visitors' confidence.(Photo: EPS| Melton Antony)

Like always, the Kerala side is expected to get the best possible start for the season, with 60,000 fans cheering for them at the Kaloor stadium. (Photo: EPS)

The blasters won six home matches in a row last season, while ATK won four. (Photo: EPS| Melton Antony)

Ironically, ATK was the only team manged to beat them at their fortress last season. IN PIC: ormer Manchester United player and Kerala Blasters player Wesley Michael Brown during a training session. (Photo: EPS| Melton Antony)

Blasters will be baying on two former Manchester United players - Wes Brown and Dimitar Berbatov to anchor their defence and attack departments respectively. IN PIC: erbatov Trains at Panampilly Nagar government school ground in Kochi on Thursday. (Photo: EPS| Melton Antony)

While former Manchester United player Teddy Sheringham replaced Jose Molina as the manager of ATK, former United assistant manager René Meulensteen has come in for Steve Coppell for the Blasters.IN PIC: ATK manager Teddy Sheringham interacting with the media on Thursday. (Photo: EPS| K Shijith)