ISL | Another blockbuster Bengaluru-Blasters clash beckons at the Kanteerava

Intriguing rivalry: Chhetri’s BFC will be confident of getting past struggling KBFC.
| Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

Bengaluru FC starts as favourite against Kerala Blasters FC in their Indian Super League clash at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday.

BFC will look to maintain its impressive home form, while Kerala will strive to climb up from a lowly tenth spot.

Among the marquee games of the season, a big crowd is expected to turn up and watch the action.

BFC, second on the points table, has accumulated 13 points from its first five home games this season. BFC has found the net consistently at home, and will once again look to Sunil Chhetri —the team’s top goal-scorer this season — to come good. Chhetri, 40, is expected to enter the field as a substitute.

Chhetri stated that a BFC-Kerala match is among the most exciting in the league.

“The first time we played in Kerala, I didn’t expect it (the fixture) to grow as much as it has. It’s one of the best games to watch, whether it’s played in Kochi or Bengaluru. People put a check list on their calendar for this match and I’m sure it will be the same on Saturday,” Chhetri said.

Kerala lost 0-1 to FC Goa in its previous fixture — failing to score a goal for the first time this season. The visitor will look to Moroccan Noah Sadaoui to provide inspiration, especially with his clever attacking play.

In defence, Milos Drincic has stood tall and will provide a stern challenge to the BFC attackers.