ISL 2017: 5 reasons why Kerala Blasters will defeat ATK on the opening day

The Manjappada will be out in full force on Friday evening as the Kerala Blasters kick-start the latest season of the Indian Super League when they host last year's winners ATK in Kochi. The match-up represents a repeat of last year's final where the Kolkata outfit outlasted the Blasters to win the title after a penalty shoot-out.

The loss meant the Blasters finished bridesmaids for a second time in the three seasons of the ISL thus far. This time around, they are back, with some big hitters in their ranks to try and have another go at it.

ATK though are formidable opponents and the Blasters have only one win in eight meetings against them. ATK also have never lost their first away game in the tournament in their three seasons. Yet, there are reasons that the Blasters could buck the trends and inflict damage on the 2-time ISL champions tomorrow. Here's why:

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#1 Bye-bye solid football?

Rene Meulensteen

Steve Coppell was the latest in the series of English head coaches in the Blasters' dugout last season following in the footsteps of David James and Trevor Morgan.

With the Englishmen in charge, the Blasters developed a largely British identity in the way they went about their game. Solid defensively, difficult to break down and physically strong, the Blasters showcased all of the attributes that British club sides tend to exhibit. It also meant they weren't the most exciting going forward.

This year sees another man who made his name in the English game at the helm of affairs. However, he isn't British, but did serve time at one of Britain's most successful football clubs.

Rene Meulensteen was a long-time deputy to Manchester United's legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. The Dutchman was at the club during some of their biggest successes this millennium and has talked a good game ahead of the season opener. He's said that his side will play "one-touch, attacking football" as they look to break down ATK's solid defence.

Meulensteen certainly doesn't lack ideas when it comes to attacking football and the pragmatism of the former coaches seems to have given way to a more expressive one under Meulensteen. If the Blasters do play as their coach suggests, ATK will be in trouble.

#2 Berba!

Dimitar Berbatov

It's one thing to talk a big game. It's another entirely when you have the personnel to back it up.

When you think of 'silken touch', one of the foremost names that pops into your head is that of Dimitar Berbatov. The debonair Bulgarian striker, who's had spells leading the frontline at Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Bayer Leverkusen, is going to be in the ISL this year donning a Blasters jersey.

CK Vineeth has already spoken highly of the touch that Berbatov possesses, saying that he's in awe of the way the Bulgarian brings the ball under control even now, at the age of 36.

However, Berbatov is not going to lead the line for his latest side; instead he's going to be more of playmaker as he revealed himself a couple of months ago. With Berbatov always having showcased a very inventive range of passing skills, that can pave the way for the Blasters' attack to find its feet quickly.

Which leads us to...

#3 The CID

CK Vineeth

So Berbatov is a part of the Blasters, but isn't going to play up front; who is?

The answer to that is a Canadian who is the all-time leading goalscorer in the ISL -- Iain Hume. With him will be, amongst Kerala's and India's finest, CK Vineeth, who finished last season as their top-scorer.

In Hume and Vineeth, the Blasters possess two men who know how to find the back of the net when presented with the opportunity. Short forms are all the rage in football these days when it comes to describing trios with the likes of Real Madrid's BBC and Barcelona's former MSN.

Blasters fans have lost no time in foisting their own front three with the name CID and Meulensteen and the vociferous Blasters fans will hope that their CID can uncover gaps in the ATK defence and lead the way to a resounding victory.

Also, the only time the Blasters beat ATK, Hume was in the Kerala ranks and scored one of the goals. Good omens.

#4 An off-season of change for ATK and injury concerns

Teddy Sheringham

While the Blasters moved away from the English, ATK have switched to the British. Teddy Sheringham is their new head coach while Ashley Westwood has been roped in as technical director. This came after the end of their association with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid who offered technical assistance in past seasons.

The distinctly Spanish flavour which they showcased, especially in possession, will no longer likely be there. While they may not have been devastating in attack, their midfield control was what helped them be successful in the first three seasons.

Yes, they have Eugeneson Lyngdoh now in their ranks, but can they combat the Blasters?

Robbie Keane, their star striker, is out with injury and Jayesh Rane, Ashutosh Mehta and Carl Baker will also miss the opening match due to injury.

#5 Home comforts

Kerala's fans are reputed for the atmosphere they create

Kochi has been a difficult place for away sides to go get points at in the ISL. The fans and the atmosphere that they create has served the Kerala Blasters well since inception.

In a late decision, the organizers decided that this season opener would be a home game for the Blasters and not ATK. Playing on their home turf inside the cauldron that is the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Kochi, the Blasters are a tough nut to crack even otherwise.

With the new additions to the squad and the yellow army behind them, ATK might truly be overwhelmed on the pitch and on the scoreboard.