Internet Desk: It will be quite an enthralling battle between Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters for the final of Hero Indian Super League(ISL) at Kochi on Sunday. Under new coach Steve Coppell Kerala Blasters has been a transformed unit compared to the previous season, where they couldn’t qualify for the semis. The Kolkata side drew the second semi-final against Mumbai City FC with ten men in Mumbai to reach the final. Kerala on the other hand beat Delhi Dynamos in both home and away leg to reach the the final of season 3.There will be a few inner battles apart from the main one which will decide the fate of the final clash on Sunday. xtratime.in tried to find out the top 5 key battles for Sunday’s clash at Kochi.
Aaron Hughes vs Helder Postiga: It will be a fascinating contest between the marquee footballers from both sides. Postiga is out to prove that he is here to win the trophy for his side. The 34 year old Portuguese international has played his part for the side so far, scoring a couple of goals and assisting in three more. Postiga, who played a substantial role in helping his country reach the finals of the 2004 Euro will be determined to make a key contribution in the final against Kerala. On the other hand Marquee player for Kerala Blasters FC in Season 3 of the Hero ISL, Aaron Hughes will bring an abundance of European pedigree to the Blasters. Hughes is a robust defender who is not shy to make a tackle or two, Hughes has played for English clubs like Newcastle United, Aston Villa, in both the Premier League and the Championship League. The 37 year old Northen Ireland player have made 10 appearance for his team with 1 goal in his kitty in Hero ISL Season 3. Though he picked a major injury while playing the second-leg semifinal against Delhi and has clouds over his selection against ATK in the big final.
Kervens Belfort vs Iain Hume: Atletico’s Iain Hime is the top goal scorer in ISL history. Atletico de Kolkata forward played a crucial role in the semi-final against Mumbai, as he scored two goals for his side in the first leg at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium. Born in Petit-Goave, Haiti, Kervens Belfort began his career with Haitian outfit in 2007. He has also played in France, Switzerland, Cyprus and Turkey for the likes of Le Mans, FC Sion, Ethnikos Achna FC and 1461 Trabzon. The Haitian forward helped his team to win the home leg against Delhi Dynamos FC. Kerala Blasters won that match by Belfort’s solitary goal.
Sandip Nandy vs Debjit Majumder: It will be another battle between two Bengali goal-keepers. Both Debjit and Sandip have done well under the goal for their respective sides. Sandip played a crucial role for his side in the semis, where he saved a shot from Memo of Delhi Dynamos in a penalty shoot-out. Debjit on the other hand is already one of the most promising keepers of Indian top-flight football. In his first season for Atletico, the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper has put up a consistent performance under the bars to win coach Molina’s confidence. Both goalkeepers will look to keep a clean sheet on Sunday.
Mehtab Hossain vs Borja Fernandez: Borja Fernandez has been the pillar of strength in Atletico defence. The former Real Madrid footballer is their most important player this season and has been vital in their defensive solidity. ATK are tough to break down and Borja underpins this. Having made 46 tackles in the league this season, the fifth highest in the league, Borja tirelessly and tenaciously breaks up opposition attacks and provides the impetus for ATK’s own forward play. The 35 year old will face a stiff challenge from the Kerala Blasters attacking duo of CK Vineeth and Kervens Belfort. Kerala Blaster’s Mehtab Hossain has made 15 appearances for his side in this Hero ISL 2016. His tackles against ATK’s forward line will be the key factor for Kerala in Kochi.
CK Vineeth vs Prabir Das: CK Vineeth has been a revelation for Kerala Blasters. The Bengaluru FC forward has played his part for the side so far scoring five goals, and assisting in one. He is the top goal-scorer among the Indian players and Kerala will be dependent on him a lot.On the other hand Prabir Das has been a consistent performer for Atletico de Kolkata. He played 11 matches for the Kolkata side with 23 important tackles in the tournament.
0 comments:
Post a Comment