ISL 2023 Playoffs: Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC: To reach their second successive ISL semi-final, Kerala Blasters have a tough test as they face resilient Bengaluru FC away from home. ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters FC, and Odisha FC have all confirmed a finish on the ISL 2022–23 standings between the third and sixth slots. The semifinal matches will begin on March 7, and the knockout matchups will begin on March 3. Follow Indian Super League and ISL 2022-2023 LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
ISL 2023 Playoffs: Southern Derby on cards as in-form Bengaluru FC take on Kerala Blasters, ATK Mohun Bagan face Odisha…
ISL 2023 Playoffs: From Roy Krishna to Adrian Luna , Top 5 Players to watch out for in Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC Eliminator – Check Out
The ISL 2022–23 season for Bengaluru FC is among the best examples of a complete reversal of events. With only three victories from their first 12 games, the Blues were facing a miserable season. Although it seemed like there would be little chance of making the playoffs, Simon Grayson’s team won an astonishing eight straight games to qualify.
Kerala Blasters have not yet claimed the Indian Super League championship. The Yellow Army previously made it to the championship game but fell to Hyderabad FC on penalties. For the men of Ivan Vukomanovic, it was a matter of “so close, yet so far.” The team will have an opportunity to eventually claim their first ISL championship, but they face an uphill battle.
Southern Derby on cards as in-form Bengaluru FC take on Kerala Blasters, ATK Mohun Bagan face Odisha FC at home for spot in ISL Semifinals#BengaluruFC #KeralaBlasters #ATKMohunBagan #OdishaFC #ISL https://t.co/9NUt0TsKZ2
— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) February 27, 2023
The leading forward from India this season is Bengaluru FC’s Sivasakti Narayanan. In his 17 appearances for the Blues, he has scored six goals. The attacker also notched a brace in the final league victory over FC Goa. Sandesh Jhingan and Javi Hernandez are two other standout players who can lead BFC to a second ISL championship.
Kerala Blasters FC is a tactically sound team, however this season they have had trouble maintaining consistency and rhythm. KBFC had dropped its previous three league matches in the ISL 2022–23 season. Fans of KBFC have a lot to hope for thanks to players like Adrian Luna. He is among the league’s top foreign players. Players from within the country, including Sahal Abdul Samad, Rahul KP, and others, must contribute.
While both the teams have some exceptional players who can turn the game around individually, here are the Top 5 players based on the statistics and form this season.
ISL 2023 Playoffs: From Roy Krishna to Adrian Luna, Top 5 Players to watch out for in Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC Eliminator – Check Out
1. Adrian Luna
The Kerala Blasters skipper has been exceptional this season. Having played at different positions like center-forward, left-winger, and even as a number 10, the Uruguayan has 4 goals and 6 assists in 19 games for the Tuskers. He created 1,041 chances and had 54.79 average passes per game, controlling the tempo with an accuracy of 73%. While defending, he made a total of 51 tackles and 33 blocks and had the most kilometers on the pitch in most matches for KBFC. It will be fun to see the midfield maestro work his magic against Bengaluru FC.
2. Roy Krishna:
ISL 2023 Playoffs: From Roy Krishna to Adrian Luna, Top 5 Players to watch out for in Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC Eliminator – Check Out
Also Read: Derby Ticket Fiasco: Kolkata Derby marred with insufficiency of tickets for away fans, East Bengal officials accused of withholding tickets for ATK Mohun Bagan fans – Check Out
3. Sivasakthi Narayanan
The Tamil Nadu-born boy wonder has taken everyone by storm with his sterling performances as a center-forward. He has an appetite for being the top scorer, having won the golden boot in the Elite League. After joining Bengaluru FC’s B team, he emerged as the top scorer with 15 goals and 2 hattricks. He received a senior call-up in 2021 in the AFC Cup campaign squad.
This season he was involved in 17 matches for the Might Bengaluru. Siva found the net 6 times and has also assisted 2 goals. The 21-year-old is BFC’s joint top-scorer and has shown a lot of promise and it will be interesting to see how Kerala Blasters will hold him.
4. Dimitrios Diamantakos
The 29-year-old center-forward has been involved in all of the Kerala Blasters’ matches. The Greek forward scored 10 goals and grabbed 3 assists in 20 games. He has been lethal in front of the goal in his first ISL season. He has a total of 46 shots and has created 22 chances in front of the goal in his first season.
With a healthy 0.5 goals/game ratio, fans won’t be surprised if Dimitrios finds the back of the net in the playoff match against Bengaluru FC.
ISL 2023 Playoffs: From Roy Krishna to Adrian Luna, Top 5 Players to watch out for in Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC Eliminator – Check Out
5. Javier Hernandez
The Spaniard bagged some crucial goals for BFC this season. After his successful stints at ATK FC, ATK Mohun Bagan, and Odisha FC, Hernandez continued to display class in the blue colours. He had 44 shots and attempted 30 crosses, creating 36 chances for the mighty Bengaluru this season.
The 33-year-old had 6 goals and 5 assists in 18 matches from the midfield position for Bengaluru FC. Furthermore, he has been really good with moving the ball around, averaging 37.22 passes/game with an accuracy of 72.23%.
In conclusion, the Eliminator match between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to secure a place in the semi-finals.
