Kerala Blasters, currently languishing in the 10th position of the Indian Super League (ISL) standings, have a crucial opportunity to climb the table when they face Hyderabad FC at the Nehru Stadium on Thursday. The Blasters, with eight points, are just two points behind Hyderabad, who occupy the ninth spot.
However, the Blasters will be without two key players for this match. Star striker Noah Sadaoui, who has been out with an injury for the past two games, will continue to be sidelined. Ghanaian forward Kwame Peprah, who was sent off in the last match against Mumbai City, will also miss the game.
Peprah’s absence will be a significant blow to the Blasters, as he has been their leading scorer this season with three goals. Captain Adrian Luna will have to shoulder more of the attacking burden in Peprah’s absence.
Blasters head coach Mikael Stahre is aware of the importance of this match and is determined to learn from the mistakes made in the previous game. “You can’t let the losses influence your mind too much, you have to move on,” said Stahre. “My job now is to help the team take the negatives as learning points and continue to play like we were playing around the 70th minute before we got that red card.”
Hyderabad FC, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their recent form. They have won two of their last three matches and will be confident of getting a positive result against the Blasters.
The match is expected to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams desperate for points. The Blasters will be looking to bounce back from their recent setbacks, while Hyderabad will be aiming to continue their upward trajectory.
