Atletico de Kolkata vs Kerala Blasters FC, Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2014 13th Match Preview: Blasters aim for first win over depleted Atletico

Kerala Blasters FC search for first win when they face leaders Atletico at the Salt Lake Stadium in the 13th Indian Super League match.

Published: October 25, 2014 11:36 PM IST

By Krishnan Iyer

Atletico de Kolkata vs Kerala Blasters FC, Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2014 13th Match Preview: Blasters aim for first win over depleted Atletico

Indian Super League (ISL) 2014 leaders Atletico de Kolkata look to further assert their dominance on top of the table as they welcome Kerala Blasters FC to the Salt Lake Stadium for their fifth match of the season. The hosts are among the two unbeaten teams in the competition so far with three wins and a draw while David James’ side have failed to take even a point from their opening two matches.

Atletico are already without Luis Garcia due to a hamstring injury and will further be without their top scorer Fikru Lemessa, who has been handed a two-match suspension for his altercation with Gregory Arnolin of FC Goa, when the two sides clashed last Thursday.

Furthermore, head coach Antonio Habas and goalkeeping coach Pradipkumar Bhaktawer have also been handed punishments for their improper conduct. The 57-year-old Spaniard was already warned previously and now cannot sit on the bench for the next four matches while the latter gets a one-match ban.

In their previous game, Cavin Lobo’s brace helped Atletico trump Zico’s FC Goa 2-1 and the 26-year-old East Bengal forward will be hoping to impress in Fikru’s absence.

KBFC on the other hand have had a dreadful start to the competition losing both their matches. They suffered a narrow 1-0 reversal to NorthEast United FC in their first game and then were undone by Bernard Mendy’s stunning overhead kick for Chennaiyin FC; condemning them to a 2-1 defeat.

The Blasters, co-owned by Indian Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, have a glorious opportunity due to a number of absentees in the Atletico squad. This game will also see the Little Master pit his wits against his compatriot and fellow former Cricketer Sourav Ganguly, who co-owns the Kolkata outfit.

While Sachin, who will be going to Sydney for the annual Bradman Foundation Dinner, is set to miss the date, Atletico co-owner Sourav would be here and will have the company of another former India batsman VVS Laxman to cheer for the Kerala outfit. Iain Hume has scored the only goal for David James’ side and he will be looking to add to his tally and power the Blasters to their first victory of the season.

Read More: Indian Super League: Full Fixture List and Match Schedule

ISL 2014 Table & Results: Point Table and Standings

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