According to the sources, on Friday, the 2022–23 Indian Super League (ISL) gets underway with East Bengal taking on the runners-up from the previous season, Kerala Blasters. Fans will be attending for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It will be up to the Blasters to repay the favor and make their passionate supporters happy. However, East Bengal’s major priority will be to sabotage the hosts’ celebration. Due to the fact that both teams are striving for the championship this season and hoping to go above and beyond, this game might be pretty exciting.
Due to the fact that both teams are striving for the championship this season and hoping to go above and beyond, this game might be pretty exciting.
ISL 2022-23: What’s in Stakes?
Kerala Blasters: For Kerala Blasters, last season was a case of “so close, yet so far.” They had a fantastic journey to the finals but were crushed by Hyderabad FC at the very last hurdle. Ivan Vukomanovic’s team will try to complete the task started last year this time.
The team has changed as players like Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Enes Sipovic, and Alvaro Vazquez have left. However, the Blasters have made wise hires and assembled a very competitive team for the season.
Under Vukomanovic, they must now demonstrate that they are more than a “one-season wonder.” The Blasters will feel pressure to win the opening game because it will be played at home and against a newly assembled East Bengal team. A victory is anticipated, but they must exercise caution because losing or dropping points can slow down their early momentum and sabotage their entire campaign.
East Bengal: East Bengal is expecting to change their fortune in the ISL this season with the addition of new investors. The Red & Gold Brigade’s journey thus far has been dismal; for the last two seasons, they have placed in the bottom half of the standings.
However, they will be hoping that playing in front of supporters for their maiden ISL season would herald a new era for them. They finally appear to have a balanced and competitive group with former India manager Stephen Constantine on board.
They need to escape the bottom locations’ curse at this point. Even though they might not have a good chance of winning, Constantine’s team needs to win the first game against Kerala Blasters. A victory can effectively signal that they are no longer the “weak side.” A tie or a humiliating defeat may once more lead to pressure building and backers beginning to doubt the concept.
About the Team News
Kerala Blasters FC: In Kerala Blasters FC, Vukomanovic used a flexible 4-4-2 formation to carry out his philosophy during the previous season. The Yellow Army is anticipated to maintain its current form throughout the forthcoming conflict.
Before the first game of the season, there were considerable concerns about Prabhsukhan Gill and Sahal Abdul Samad’s health. Vukomanovic assuaged any worries by indicating that he has his entire team accessible.
East Bengal: Stephen Constantine has always liked a 4-4-2 shape, so the Red and Gold brigade may be subordinated like that. Before their match against the Blasters, the Kolkata Giants had no injury concerns.
Key Players of the Match
Adrian Luna: Kerala Blasters
Even though a new season has begun, Adrian Luna’s continued presence with Kerala Blasters should excite the team’s supporters. The Uruguayan had a significant impact on getting them to the championship game the previous year. He was one of the finest performers in the league with six goals and seven assists.
However, now that several of his foreign invading allies have left, some are wondering if Luna can adjust to the change. However, the 30-year-old showed last season that he was a dedicated, innovative player. He’ll probably enjoy taking charge of games and creating opportunities for his team. The guests must approach Luna with extreme caution because, if unattended, Luna has the potential to wreak havoc.
Cleiton Silva: East Bengal
East Bengal decided to stick with the practice of hiring foreign athletes with ISL playing experience. Knowing how much of a storm Cleiton Silva has been in the league, the decision to acquire him was pretty wise.
The Brazilian has made 37 appearances in the ISL thus far, scoring 17 goals and registering nine assists. Cleiton is dangerous in the last third and has a nose for purposes.
He should be a key member of the Red & Gold Brigade due to his agility, quickness, and finishing prowess. With two goals and an assist in three outings, Cleiton had a strong Durand Cup season. He’ll be hoping to carry that momentum into the ISL and wow the East Bengal supporters with some magnificent offensive work.
Predicted Team Players
In their four ISL meetings so far, Kerala Blasters and East Bengal have only had one victory each and three draws.
Kerala Blasters: Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Harmanjot Khabra, Marko Leskovic, Hormipan Ruivah, Jessel Carneiro, Jeakson Singh, Ivan Kaliuzhnyi, Puitea, Rahul KP, Adrian Luna, Apostolos Giannou.
East Bengal: Kamaljit Singh (GK), Ankit Mukherjee, Ivan Gonzalez, Lalchungnunga, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Jordan O’Doherty, Souvik Chakrabarti, Alex Lima, Sumeet Passi, Cleiton Silva, VP Suhair.
Live Streaming Details:
On October 7, starting at 7:30 p.m. IST, StarSports and StarSports HD TV stations in India will broadcast live coverage of the ISL season-opening match between Kerala Blasters FC and East Bengal. A live feed of the game is also available on Hotstar.
Read: ISL 2022-23: ATK Mohun Bagan extends contracts of Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh
