PANJIM: The Kerala Blasters FC juggernaut will look to remain unscathed amid festivities and continue making merry but in Jamshedpur FC they will face a stern test, to say the least when the two sides meet in the Hero Indian Super League here on Sunday.
The Boxing Day blockbuster at the Tilak Maidan Stadium will see two sides who are not only in the top four but also in supreme form, riding on some free-scoring attackers and well-oiled defence in the last few matches. Kerala have been unbeaten in six games while Jamshedpur haven’t lost their last two.
Jamshedpur shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw against Bengaluru FC in their previous engagement but the Men of Steel have been prolific in front of goal with Greg Stewart being at the heart of their success.
Kerala have been spectacular so far, putting behind disappointments of previous years with a collection of players who have dazzled, especially in front of goal. They won 3-0 against Chennaiyin FC in their last game, making light of an obdurate Chennaiyin defence.
Among the players who have risen to the occasion for Kerala, Sahal Abdul Samad has been brilliant, scoring in back-to-back games. Prior to the start of the 2021-22 Hero ISL, the youngster had just one goal to his name. But in 7 games this season, he has managed to score thrice, including one each in the last 2 games.
His defensive game has also been encouraging this season. He has 13 successful tackles, the second-highest among Kerala players after Adrian Luna (15). Sahal’s 11 blocks this season is bettered only by Marko Leskovic’s 14 among Kerala players.
