KOCHI: Indian Super League’s southern derby between Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin FC has never failed to entertain the fans. Be it the Nagin dance of Abhishek Bachchan or the Zinedine Zidane mask protest against Marco Matterazzi, Blasters and Chennaiyin FC matches always had plenty of needle.
And the face-off between the two teams at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium on Tuesday promises to be another riveting affair. Both Blasters and Chennaiyin cannot afford to drop points as the battle to finish in the top six is heating up.
Blasters look to be on stronger ground as they are third spot in the ISL standings with 28 points from 16 matches. But if they drop a point against Chennaiyin, their top-six chances would take a beating. For Chennaiyin, things are clearer. If they lose at Kochi, it would be the end of the road for Thomas Brdaric’s side.
“We had some bad luck in the last few matches but tomorrow is another chance. It's another opponent. Playoffs are still our target. In these four games we'll try our best to reach sixth place," Bradaric said.
The visitors have lost just two of their last seven games but have managed no wins in that period.
On the other hand, Blasters will be desperate to bring more stability to their season as the league stage enters its final phase. Though they dropped only two points in November and December, Blasters have struggled with their form after that.
In their last four games, the Blasters have managed one win and lost thrice. But the biggest concern for coach Ivan Vukomanovic will be the fact that Blasters have scored only thrice during this phase.
"We were talking in the dressing room over the last few days that if you're in that position you must show more discipline and motivation than your opponent. You have to show that if you want to be top," said Vukomanovic.
