Preview of the Southern Showdown
The much-anticipated Southern rivalry between Chennayin vs Kerala Blasters is set to reignite the excitement of Indian football. This clash, scheduled for January 30, 2025, promises to be a nail-biting encounter as both teams look to bounce back from lackluster campaigns in the Indian Super League (ISL). While Chennaiyin FC have struggled for form and sit 10th in the standings with 18 points, Kerala Blasters are currently 8th with 21 points. A win is crucial for both teams as they aim to re-establish momentum in their bid for playoff qualification.
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Neither side has had a consistent run of form this season. Chennaiyin’s home advantage at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will be crucial, but Kerala’s counter-attacking style could pose significant challenges. Key statistics reveal that both teams have a history of tight contests; their last 23 matches ended with nearly identical records—7 wins for each side and 9 draws. The reverse fixture saw Kerala Blasters dominate with a 3-0 win in November 2024.
Based on recent trends, this match is likely to be closely contested, with both teams favored to score. Chennayin vs Kerala Blasters games have seen an average of 2.74 goals per encounter, and with the stakes high, a draw is also a probable outcome.
Predicted Outcome:
- Result: Draw
- Scoreline Prediction: 1-1
- Key Betting Tip: Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Predicted Lineups
Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1)
Mohammed Nawaz (GK), PC Laldinpuia, Elsinho, Ryan Edwards (C), Pritam Kotal, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Jitender Singh, Connor Shields, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Wilmar Jordan Gil
Kerala Blasters (4-2-3-1)
Sachin Suresh (GK), Naocha Singh, Milos Drincic, Ruivah Hormipam, Sandeep Singh, Danish Farooq, Vibin Mohanan, Korou Singh, Noah Sadaoui, Adrian Luna (C), Jesus Jimenez
Schedule and Round Details
The match is part of the 19th round of the ISL 2024-25 season and will kick off at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on January 30, 2025. The venue will be the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, often referred to by fans as the Marina Arena. Given the playoff implications, this clash holds immense importance, not just for the competitors but for the league as a whole.
Broadcast Information
Where to Watch:
- India: Live coverage will be available on Sports 18 Network and Star Sports 3. Online streaming can be accessed via Jio Cinema.
- UK: Football enthusiasts in the UK can catch the action on the OneFootball app.
- US: Fans in the United States can also stream the match on the OneFootball app.
Injury Updates and Team News
Chennaiyin FC:
Chennaiyin will be without the services of Vignesh Dakshinamurthy as he remains sidelined due to an injury. Head coach Owen Coyle is likely to reshuffle his lineup after a disappointing 2-0 defeat against FC Goa last week. Players like Farukh Choudhary and Jiteshwor Singh are strong contenders to start in this must-win game.
Kerala Blasters:
The Kerala Blasters face a similar challenge with inconsistency. The team will miss Freddy due to suspension, which adds to coach TG Purushothaman’s tactical headaches. However, their star performer, Noah Sadaoui, who has 7 goals and 5 assists this season, will be a key figure in their attack.
Players to Watch
For Chennaiyin FC, the spotlight will be on their top scorer Wilmar Jordan Gil, who has netted eight times this season. Kerala’s defensive lapses could give him plenty of opportunities to strike.
On the other hand, Kerala Blasters will rely heavily on the skill of Noah Sadaoui. The Moroccan winger was instrumental in their reverse fixture victory, contributing both a goal and an assist.
Key Stats to Consider
- Both Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters have conceded 29 goals in 18 ISL matches this season, highlighting their defensive frailties.
- Chennaiyin has won only one of their eight home games in this campaign, while Kerala has lost five of their last six away fixtures.
- The Marina Arena remains a fortress for Chennaiyin, as Kerala Blasters are yet to win a game at this venue.
Final Thoughts
As the matchday approaches, excitement is building for the Southern derby of Chennayin vs Kerala Blasters. With both teams battling inconsistency and desperate for a win, this game promises an intriguing clash of tactics and determination. Whether it ends in a tightly fought draw or a dramatic late winner, fans can expect an evening of high-quality football. Stay tuned to witness how this pivotal ISL encounter unfolds.