| Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC | |
| MATCH INFO | |
MATCH :
| Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC |
COMPETITION :
| Durand Cup |
| DATE: | 18-08-2023 |
TIME:
| 06.00 PM IST (UTC +5:30)
04.30 PM UAE |
STADIUM
| Kishore Bharati Krirangan |
Match Live Info
FULL TIME
info
Prediction and Preview
Kerala Blasters 3 - 1 Bengaluru FC
In the ongoing Durand Cup, both Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters encountered initial setbacks as they failed to secure victories in their opening matches. The upcoming double-header scheduled for matchday 15, set to take place on August 18, 2023, holds considerable anticipation. First, Delhi FC will face off against Group E leaders Chennaiyin FC (CFC) at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Subsequently, the spotlight shifts to the clash between Indian Super League (ISL) contenders Kerala Blasters and reigning champions Bengaluru FC (BFC) in a crucial Southern Derby showdown at Kolkata’s Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK). The Guwahati match is slated to kick off at 3:00 pm Indian Standard Time (IST), followed by the Kolkata match at 6:00 pm IST.
Under normal circumstances, this would be a riveting encounter, given its high-stakes nature as a Southern Derby. Bengaluru FC, the defending champions, were held to a draw in their first match, while Kerala Blasters suffered a defeat in a Kerala derby clash against Gokulam in their tournament opener. Consequently, both teams are compelled to secure victories in their second matches to maintain their prospects of advancing.
Interestingly, Bengaluru FC's decision to field a young squad seems to have shifted the balance slightly in favor of Kerala Blasters, also known as the Manjappadas. This is especially true if the form displayed by both teams in their initial matches is indicative of their current performance levels.
Kerala Blasters displayed a commendable effort despite a loss in a high-scoring match against the 2019 champions, Gokulam. Key players such as Uruguayan Adrian Luna, wing-back Prabir Das, and midfielder Jeakson Singh exhibited sharpness in their play. Notably, young attacking winger Mohammed Aimen caught attention with an impressive performance.
In summary, the upcoming clash between Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC promises excitement and a competitive display. While the Blasters seem to hold a slight advantage due to their recent form and key player performances, the nature of football ensures that outcomes can be unpredictable, particularly in the charged atmosphere of a derby match.