Blasters fans, are you ready for the next match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season? The Kerala Blasters will face the Bengaluru FC on September 21, 2023, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. This will be the first match between the two teams in this season, and it promises to be an exciting and competitive one.

The History and Rivalry between the Kerala Blasters and the Bengaluru FC

The Kerala Blasters and the Bengaluru FC have a history of intense and fierce rivalry, dating back to the 2017-18 season, when the latter joined the ISL as a new entrant. Since then, the two teams have faced each other 10 times in the ISL, with the Bengaluru FC winning 6 times, the Kerala Blasters winning 2 times, and 2 matches ending in a draw. The Bengaluru FC also have the edge over the Kerala Blasters in terms of goals scored, with 16 goals against 9 goals.

The rivalry between the two teams is not only on the pitch, but also off the pitch, as the fans of both teams often engage in banter, taunts, and chants on social media and in the stadiums. The rivalry is also fueled by the cultural and geographical differences between the two states of Kerala and Karnataka, as well as the political and historical issues between them. The Kerala Blasters and the Bengaluru FC are considered as the “Southern Derby” of the ISL, and their matches always attract a lot of attention and excitement.

The Current Form and Standings of Both Teams

The Kerala Blasters and the Bengaluru FC have had contrasting starts to the ISL 2023-24 season, with the former having a better performance than the latter. The Kerala Blasters are currently in the fourth position in the ISL table, with 29 points from 16 matches, while the Bengaluru FC are in the eighth position, with 19 points from 15 matches. The Kerala Blasters have won 8 matches, drawn 5 matches, and lost 3 matches, while the Bengaluru FC have won 5 matches, drawn 4 matches, and lost 6 matches.

The Kerala Blasters have been in a good form lately, winning their last two matches against Goa and Chennaiyin, scoring 4 goals and conceding 2 goals. The Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, have been in a poor form, losing their last two matches against Mumbai City and Jamshedpur, scoring 1 goal and conceding 4 goals. The Kerala Blasters have also scored more goals (25) and conceded fewer goals (20) than the Bengaluru FC (18 and 22, respectively) in this season.

The Key Players and Tactics of Both Teams

The Kerala Blasters and the Bengaluru FC have some key players and tactics that can make a difference in the match outcome. The Kerala Blasters have a strong attack, led by the Greek striker Dimitris Diamantakos, who is the top scorer of the ISL with 10 goals. He is supported by the Japanese winger Daiki Sakai, who is the top assist provider of the ISL with 7 assists. The Kerala Blasters also have a solid midfield, with the likes of Danish Farooq, Mohammed Aimen, and Fiodor Černych, who can create chances and control the tempo of the game.

The Bengaluru FC have a strong defense, led by the Indian captain Pritam Kotal, who is the most experienced and reliable defender in the ISL. He is partnered by the Montenegrin defender Marko Drinčić, who is also a threat from set-pieces, scoring 2 goals this season. The Bengaluru FC also have a talented goalkeeper, Lalthuammawia Ralte, who has made 47 saves and kept 5 clean sheets this season. The Bengaluru FC also have a dynamic midfield, with the likes of Erik Paartalu, Dimas Delgado, and Udanta Singh, who can dictate the play and create opportunities.

The Kerala Blasters play a 4-3-3 formation, with a high-pressing and attacking style of play. They like to dominate the possession and create chances through quick passes and crosses. They also like to exploit the wings and use the pace and skills of their wingers. The Kerala Blasters are vulnerable to counter-attacks and set-pieces, as they tend to leave spaces behind and commit fouls.

The Bengaluru FC plays in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with a defensive and counter-attacking style of play. They like to sit back, defend in numbers, and hit on the break through long balls and through balls. They also like to use the physicality and aerial abilities of their players. The Bengaluru FC are vulnerable to high-pressing and fast-paced teams, as they tend to lose possession and struggle to cope with the pressure.

The Possible Line-ups and Formations of Both Teams

The Kerala Blasters and the Bengaluru FC are likely to field the following line-ups and formations for the match:

Kerala Blasters (4-3-3):

• GK: Shibinraj Kunniyil
• RB: Sandeep Singh
• CB: Pritam Kotal ©
• CB: Marko Drinčić
• LB: Harmanjot Khabra
• CM: Erik Paartalu
• CM: Dimas Delgado
• RW: Udanta Singh
• AM: Sunil Chhetri
• LW: Ashique Kuruniyan
• ST: Cleiton Silva

Bengaluru FC (4-2-3-1):

• GK: Lalthuammawia Ralte
• RB: Harshavardhan Ruivah
• CB: Nishu Kumar
• CB: Mato Grgić
• LB: Lalruatthara
• DM: Danish Farooq
• DM: Mohammed Aimen
• RW: Daiki Sakai
• AM: Fiodor Černych
• LW: Rahul Kannoly Praveen
• ST: Dimitris Diamantakos

The Predictions and Odds of the Match Outcome

The Kerala Blasters and the Bengaluru FC match is expected to be a close and competitive one, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. The Kerala Blasters have the advantage of playing at home, having a better form, and having a more potent attack. The Bengaluru FC have the advantage of having a more experienced and stable defense, having a better head-to-head record, and having a more motivated and determined attitude.

The predictions and odds of the match outcome are as follows:

• Kerala Blasters win: 40% probability, 2.50 odds
• Bengaluru FC win: 30% probability, 3.00 odds
• Draw: 30% probability, 3.20 odds

The most likely scoreline is 2-1 in favor of the Kerala Blasters, with Diamantakos and Sakai scoring for the home team, and Chhetri scoring for the away team.

The Live Streaming and Broadcasting Details of the Match

The Kerala Blasters and the Bengaluru FC match will be live streamed and broadcasted on various platforms and channels, depending on your location and preference. Here are some of the live streaming and broadcasting details of the match:

• India: The match will be live streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website, and broadcasted on the Star Sports network.
• USA: The match will be live streamed on the ESPN+ app and website, and broadcasted on the ESPN network.
• UK: The match will be live streamed on the bet365 app and website, and broadcasted on the BT Sport network.
• Australia: The match will be live streamed on the Kayo Sports app and website, and broadcasted on the Fox Sports network.
• Canada: The match will be live streamed on the DAZN app and website, and broadcasted on the DAZN network.

Conclusion

The Kerala Blasters and the Bengaluru FC match is one of the most anticipated and exciting matches of the ISL 2023-24 season, as it features two of the most popular and rival teams in the league. The match will be a test of the skills, tactics, and mentalities of both teams, as they will try to outplay and outsmart each other. The match will also be a spectacle of the passion, enthusiasm, and support of both sets of fans, as they will cheer and chant for their teams. The match will be a treat for the eyes, ears, and hearts of all the football lovers, as they will witness a thrilling and entertaining game of football.