ISL 2015: Mumbai City FC vs Kerala Blasters – Players to watch out for

Pavel Cmovs and Chris Dagnall will look to make the difference for respective sides.

New Delhi: Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blasters will be engrossed in an exciting battle in match No. 47 on Thursday in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2015, at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Mumbai lie seventh in the points table and are in desperate need for a victory. Three points will see them rise above and they need to win their remaining two games after this also to stay in contention.

The last time these two sides met, it was a 0-0 draw between them.

Mumbai have been dismal in their previous match against Goa where they lost 0-7.

Kerala Blasters meanwhile, stay last in the ISL table and face an exact situation as Mumbai City FC. With just 11 points in their kitty, Kerala have very slim chances and need a miracle to get into the last four. They too come from a big loss suffered against Chennaiyin FC.

The DY Patil stadium will hope to witness an intense 90 minutes of enthralling football given both teams' intention of only winning the game as they have no other option. The tactical approach will be the key here alongside the confidence of players that will determine the outcome.

We look at players who could make a major impact in the game for both the teams.

Pavel Cmovs (Mumbai City FC): The experienced centre-half will hold key for Mumbai against Kerala. With 76 clearences to his name so far this season in ISL, Pavel will look to be effective in this must-win scenario. The battle against Kerala Blasters strikers will be an exciting affair for fans to watch. Pavel also needs support from fellow Mumabi defenders in order to work as an unit.

Chris Dagnall (Kerala Blasters): Kerala will be looking for some inspiration from Chris Dagnall, who has been their in-form player this season. Dagnall’s pace holds key for the visitors. His five goals and two assists so far this season has been important for Kerala. His ability to drift into spaces in the wide areas and get in dangerous crosses, will be essential to Kerala's fortunes.