Advertisement
trendingNowenglish1959534

ISL Final: Kerala Blasters vs Atletico de Kolkata - All you need to know about the title decider

The performance of both teams have been a bit shaky this season, Kolkata will look to repeat the history, while Kerala will target redemption.

ISL Final: Kerala Blasters vs Atletico de Kolkata - All you need to know about the title decider

New Delhi: The stage is set for a 'Super-Sunday' final match between Kerala Blasters and Atletico de Kolkata in Kochi tonight. Both teams have fought very hard in the tournament to reach this stage and will be giving their all to be crowned the champions.

The match is also being considered as a recap of 2014 ISL finals when both teams have fought for the title, but Ateltico defeated Kerala in a 1-0 nail-biter. For Kerala, a redemption is on the cards as they look to grab their maiden title.

The performance of both teams have been a bit shaky this season, with Kerala often criticized for being goal shy, while Atletico de Kolkata have been blamed for being too leaky.

READ: ISL 2016 Final PREVIEW: Kerala Blasters vs Atletico de Kolkata

Well, here's all the you need to know about the title decider:-

Who will have the 'upper-hand' in final?

Its really hard to say who possesses the upper hand as stats hardly matter when it comes to the final showdown but the result in 2014 will be the minds of both teams as Kolkata will look to repeat the history, while Kerala will target redemption. Psychologically speaking, Kolkata will have the 'upper-hand' in game.

What does records suggest?

On paper Kolkata looks much stronger than Kerala and possess a better head-to-head record. The teams have met 7 times till date and Kolkata have won on 4 instances and Kerala have managed a win just once.

How good are both teams in this season?

The 2016 season of ISL hasn't been that good so far for both teams although they did manage to reach the finals of the tournament. None of them are table toppers, out of 14 matches each Kerala have won 6 games and ended up second in the table while Kolkata only managed to win 4 games and they ended up in bottom of top four.

Who will get chance in finals?

Kolkata's manager Jose Molina made 9 changes in the Kolkata's starting XI in the second semi-final against Mumbai City FC which did deliver and took the team to finals. Key players like Iain Hume, Helder Postiga and Sameehg Doutie are likely to come back into starting line-up. Defender Robert Lalthamuana who had picked up a red card in the semis will be replaced by Keegan Perreira. While manager Steve Copwell of Kerela will like to bring in-form striker Kervens Belfort who did not start against Delhi but is likely to come back in the starting XI in the final.

Where and when will be the match take place?

The match will be played in Kochi’s Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in Kerala. The battle will begin from 7:00 PM . It has been the home ground for Kerala Blasters and they have earned a reputation of drawing the biggest crowds for almost any ISL match which held there.

On what channels can the final be seen?

The match will be broadcasted live with Hindi and English commentary on Star Sports Network and its HD platforms. For the online viewers, they can enjoy the match on their 'Hotstar' app and on hotstar.com.