ISL 2015: Pune City FC vs Kerala Blasters - Preview, Live Stream & Channel Info, Team News, Prediction

Englishmen David Platt and Peter Taylor will look for some redemption as their teams FC Pune City and Kerala Blasters, respectively face off in the Hero Indian Super League football, at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, on Tuesday.

This encounter could be termed as a derby as the former England players coached sides face off in the second edition of the Indian Super League in their sixth match of the season.

The visitors lost three successive matches and picked up just a point from their last four matches. They started well with a win against NorthEast United FC but since then have not found the required rhythm, while FC Pune City have nine points from five outings and will look to get back to winning ways after their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chennaiyin in their first away match.

“It has been a disappointing outing in Chennai, but it is too early to predict about the championship. We did have workouts and should make amends to all that costed us the match against Chennai,” said David Platt.

“I know David well. He's very organised and his team will hold their shape but we have come to win. We will try our best but we will respect their best players as well," said the 62-year-old Taylor about his countryman and their rivals.

Kickoff Time and Telecast

Live Telecast: Channel: StarSports 1,2 StarSports HD1, HD2

Live Stream: starsports.com

Date and Time: Wednesday,27th October 2015 – 1900 IST

Venue: Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune

Team News

Lenny Rodrigues who was missing from action against Chennaiyin FC, could be back in the side after he suffered a groin injury against the Kolkata side. “Lenny was on the training pitch and he should be back,” said Platt about Rodrigues who has been one of the regulars in the side this edition.

Marquee man Adrian Mutu has struggled to get his name on the score sheet and it will be interesting to see if Pune's gaffer decides to give him a start over Tuncay Sanli or partner the duo upfront.

Custodian Steve Simonsen, has been in impressive form and is expected to start, while the defense will be manned by Gourmangi Singh and Argentine Diego Colotto who looks set to replace Roger Johnson. Pritam Kotal could get a look in after Dharmaraj Ravanan struggled in the match against Chennaiyin. Nick Shorey looks set to retain his place in the team.

Meanwhile, Stephen Bywater has been good under the bar for the Kerala side, and should make it a 6th time in the starting line-up. CK Vineeth and Rahul Bheke should marshal their defence.

Starting XI and Formation

FC Pune predicted XI (4-4-2): Simonsen; Nick Shorey, Gourmangi Singh, Diego Colotto, Pritam Kotal; Jackichand Singh, Didier Zokora, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Lenny Rodrigues; Kalu Uche, Tuncay Sanli

Kerala Blasters predicted XI (5-3-2): Stephen Bywater; CK Vineeth, Peter Ramage, Jhingan, Bruno Perone, Rahul Bheke; Mehtab Hossain, Carlos Marchena, Joao Coimbra; Sanchez Watt, Rafi

Key Battles

Kalu Uche vs Bruno Perone

Uche will have to handle the former Queens Park Rangers defender. The latter will have his task cut out against the pacy Nigerian who has been having a good season. And his lone goal against Chennaiyin did provide some respite for the visitors.

Lenny Rodrigues vs Joao Coimbra Lenny has been the major playmaker for Platt’s side. His agility and understanding has put rival defences on high alert and in the process has kept his strike force busy. The former Portuguese Under-21 international Joao was one of the players who troubled the FC Goa defence and Lenny will to keep a close watch on him.

Sanchez Watt vs Diego ColottoArgentine professional Diego Daniel Colotto will have to keep a check on the former Arsenal youth striker Sanchez Watt, who has impressed with his speed and good ball control. IfKerala’s fan favourite turns it up, it could be a torrid night for the home defence.

Prediction

FC Pune spectators are in for a treat as the teams are sure to dish out their best in the game with the sides coming from defeats in their respective last outings. David Platt’s boys will look to boost their standards before the side gets into the last stage in the first phase of the league. Kerala Blasters will also have their chances and that will promise good football, though FC Pune City on paper should prevail over their rivals

FC Pune 3-1 Kerala Blasters