ISL 2021-22: Resurgent Odisha face in-form Kerala Blasters

odisha vs kerala blasters, aridai cabrera, enes sipovic, — Image Source : ISL
File photo of Odisha FC's Aridai Cabrera (centre) with Kerala Blasters' Enes Sipovic.

Highlights

Odisha look sharp in attack and also hold firm at the back in the high-scoring encounter
Odisha are now in the eighth spot in the points table with 13 points from nine games
Blasters are currently the table toppers with 17 points in 10 matches

Upbeat after a big win over defending champions Mumbai City FC, Odisha FC will be aiming to pick three points against in-form Kerala Blasters in another Hero Indian Super League (ISL) match here on Wednesday.

The Kiko Ramirez-coached side looked sharp in attack and also held firm at the back in the high-scoring encounter. They now find themselves in the eighth spot in the points table with 13 points from nine games.

In Kerala Blasters, Odisha will have an opponent who are brimming with confidence after making it to the top of the table for the first time in seven years. They beat Hyderabad FC in their last game to extend their winning run to nine games, finishing the first half of the season in the best way possible.

Alvaro Vazquez has continued to fire for Kerala, netting his fourth goal of the campaign in the last game. Adrian Luna is another Kerala player who has enjoyed a rich vein of form. Captain Jessel Carneiro is set to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines with injury. There are doubts over Harmanjot Singh Khabra's participation in the match as well but full-back Nishu Kumar is almost certain to feature from the start.

For Odisha, skipper Jerry Mawihmingthanga has sharpened their arsenal. He scored two goals and provided one assist in Odisha's 4-2 win over Mumbai City and has looked extremely impressive.

However, Odisha's concern would be their leaky backline. They have conceded 22 goals in their nine games and have the joint-worst defensive record in the league along with NorthEast United.