Its the Southern and bottom derby merged together as a ninth-placed Kerala Blasters FC face the tenth-placed Chennaiyin FC at Kochi, in the Hero Indian Super League on Friday.
Kerala Blasters FC had been a team completely written out, prior to the match against Bengaluru FC.
But, the BFC encounter made Blasters bring out a never-before combination and gameplay to clinch an exciting draw.
After this deserted season with no hopes of playoffs, the two-time ISL finalists are now ready to take the field without pressure. A win would be a huge relief to the new gaffer Nilo Vengada and his team with 11 points from 15 games.
Chennaiyin FC has showcased ISL's biggest downfall from the top to bottom over a period of few months. Even after the season is over in terms of qualification, CFC will have another objective to hit - the AFC Cup.
This has been the motive behind the management's decision to pay huge sums to bring prolific names under the roof. Chennaiyin FC, under the manager John Gregory, has managed two wins this season, to have eight points from 15 matches.
ALSO SEE: ISL Standings | ISL Schedule | ISL Results
Kerala Blasters FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Match Information
Date: 15 February 2019
Kickoff: 7:30 PM IST
Live Stream: Star Sports Network and Hotstar
Live commentary: Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin FC Live Score | Commentary and Updates
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi
Kerala Blasters FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Team News
Kerala Blasters FC
Anas Edathodika is the only player who will be unavailable for the match, due to the injury.
Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC does not have any confirmed injuries or suspensions on the list.
Kerala Blasters FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Probable Lineups
Kerala Blasters FC (4-3-3): Dheeraj Singh, Mohammed Rakip, Sandesh Jhingan, Nemanja Lakic Pesic, Pritam Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Keziron Kizito, Courage Pekuson, Seimineln Doungel, Matej Poplatnik, Slavisa Stojanovic
Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1): Karanjit Singh, Laldinliana Renthlei, Zohmingliana Ralte, Eli Sabiia, Tondonba Singh, Christopher Herd, Raphael Augusto, Francisco Fernandes, Gregory Nelson, CK Vineeth, Jeje Lalpekhlua
Kerala Blasters FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Form Guide
Kerala Blasters: D-L-D-L-L
Chennaiyin FC: W-L-L-L-L
Kerala Blasters FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Head-to-Head
Kerala Blasters: 2
Chennaiyin FC: 4
Draw: 5
Kerala Blasters FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Key Players
Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters FC will have their midfield duties assigned to Keziron Kizito and Courage Pekuson.
Both the players have developed a combination and understanding between each other, which will help Blasters well.
Pekuson scored a goal in Blasters' draw against Bengaluru FC. Under Vingada, we are expecting to see both the players together on the field, for more time.
Chennaiyin FC
While Blasters has worries with their midfield, Chennaiyin will have a greater concern over their attacks.
CK Vineeth and Jeje Lalpekhlua have been able to clip down the attacks, by forming a good understanding between the two. With Jeje too entering the scorecards now, Chennaiyin FC will have better hopes from the team.
Kerala Blasters FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Predictions
Both the sides have been struggling from the start of the season. However, it was their last fixture, against BFC that gave the sides some ray of positive hopes. While Chennaiyin FC registered a victory, Blasters had an enjoyable draw.
At a stage when the two teams have nothing to lose, the match becomes interesting in terms of the game to be played, which might be ultimately won by the home side.
Predicted Score - Kerala Blasters FC 2-0 Chennaiyin FC