Kerala Blasters are set to take on Mumbai City FC in their first home game of the season. The game going forward had an element of question about it. Reports came out about the stadium operator, the Greater Cochin Development Authority, demanding a 4.2 lakh rupee fee per match, an increase of more than double from the earlier-quoted 2 lakh rupee quote. The Blasters were unwilling to match their demands, and the GCDA in response locked the stadium, and even kicked out the media during a press conference.
However, the issue seems to be rectified, and a solution has been found at least for the short term. This will also mark a relief for Mumbai City, who had already taken their flight to Kochi when the news of the game being called into question broke.
The fixture will be the club’s first home game since 7 March 2025, which was their win over, coincidentally, their would-be opponents tomorrow, Mumbai City. For the Blasters, this would represent a good chance to bounce back from their 2-0 loss in the league opener against Mohun Bagan SG. For Mumbai, it is a chance to establish early momentum after grinding out a 1-0 win against Chennaiyin on Thursday.
Kerala Blasters
Kerala Blasters come into the match with two injury worries: midfielder Matias Hernandez and forward Victor Bertomeu. As per the club’s meeting with the Fan Advisory Board, Hernandez’s injury was a knock in training, and is still being assessed. He was present in recent training videos posted by the club, which could indicate recovery. Bertomeu on the other hand, had “severe cramps”, and represents less of an availability concern. The rest of the squad seems to be at full fitness.
Their first game of the season against Mohun Bagan had a few bright spots, such as Kevin Yoke looking threatening on the left wing in his 30-minute cameo. However, going forward, the team lacked a cutting-edge and were barely able to get the ball to Bertomeu, who had only 17 touches of the ball in the 80 minutes he was on the pitch. The game was, though, against arguably the best team in the league, so one can give the Blasters leeway.
One notable bit of transfer news for the club is the signing of Scottish forward Jai Quitongo. He has the ability to add pace to the Blasters attack, but the Mumbai City fixture might be a game too early for him.
Mumbai City
Mumbai City come into the game without arguably their best player against Chennaiyin FC: Jorge Ortiz. The attacker was carried off post-match, and seems to be ruled out for the Kerala Blasters fixture at the very least. The rest of the squad seems injury-free. Mumbai have come into the season with only four foreigners, meaning they will start with one less foreign player in case Ortiz does not recover. Vikram Partap Singh is an able backup, though.
Mumbai was able to put forward a good display for most of their game versus Chennaiyin, but they were helped by Ortiz’s brilliance and Chennaiyin being blunt in attack. The Islanders also looked shaky after midfielder Joni Kauko was replaced after 60 minutes. Managing Kauko’s minutes is a crucial factor for Petr Kratky, but ensuring his team can get through the full 90 minutes is also a necessity. Finding a formula when Kauko is not on the field is something that the club would have spent time figuring out on the training ground.
Team News:
For the Blasters, the availability of Matias Hernandez is still a question. However, one would think that he would be play from the start if he did fully recover. Bertomou is suffering with cramps but could be fit. They have also signed Scottish striker Jai Quitongo but he is not expected to be available for the game. Sandeep Singh will be back from suspension ad Ajsal is back in training, providing some positivity for David Catala going into the game.
For the Islanders, it seems improbable that Ortiz will play a part in the match. This would probably give way to Vikram Partap Singh, and Brandon Fernandes moved central. Other players are expected to be fit.
Head-to-head record:
Mumbai City boast the better head-to-head record, winning 11 out of the 23 meetings between the clubs. Kerala Blasters have won six, and there have been six draws. Both sides won at home in the league last season, with Mumbai City getting a 4-2 win in Andheri, and Kerala Blasters securing a 1-0 win in Kochi.
In the most recent meeting in the Super Cup, Mumbai City were poor, but secured a late win thanks to a Freddy Lallawmawma own goal. This guaranteed their passage to the semi-finals, where they would eventually lose to FC Goa. One noteworthy point is Petr Kratky’s record in Kochi. He has lost both his games, and both without scoring. Third time lucky? Mumbai City fans will hope so.
All time H2H record in ISL:
Total matches: 22
Mumbai City FC wins: 10
Draws: 06
Kerala Blasters FC wins: 06
Predicted lineups
Kerala Blasters (4-2-3-1):
Sachin Suresh (GK); Aiban Dohling, Oumar Bah, Bikash Yumnam, Muhammed Saheef; Matias Hernandez, Danish Farooq; Kevin Yoke, Ebindas, Korou Singh; Victor Bertomeu.
Mumbai City (4-2-3-1):
Phurba Lachenpa (GK); Valpuia, Nuno Reis, Bijay Chhetri, Akash Mishra; Joni Kauko, Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung (Tluanga); Lallianzuala Chhangte, Brandon Fernandes, Vikram Partap Singh; Jorge Pereyra Diaz.
Key battles
Muhammed Saheef vs Lallianzuala Chhangte
It remains a question as to whether David Catala will opt for Naocha Singh, or Muhammed Saheef at left back. Considering the Spanish head coach opted for the latter against Mohun Bagan, it seems likely Saheef will keep his place. This time, though, he will have to compete against Lallianzuala Chhangte, who looked sharp against Chennaiyin. With Ortiz out, Chhangte will have more creative burden, and it will be on Saheef to neutralize it.
Victor Bertomeu vs Nuno Reis
If Bertomeu gets the ball, he can cause Mumbai damage. And it’ll be on the experience of Nuno Reis to prevent him any space and time to work with. While Reis may not be the fastest, he does have the physicality to contest with Bertomeu, and it is up to him to use it effectively. Bertomeu, on the other hand, will be looking to use his ability in the air and clever movement in the area to fashion an opportunity for himself.
Matias Hernandez vs Joni Kauko
Kauko complimented Tluanga in midfield against Chennaiyin, but was a major driving force himself as well. Hernandez did not feature for the Blasters against Mohun Bagan, but he brings physicality and great defensive expertise. The ex-Gokulam midfielder is capable of dropping into the defence line as well, giving Catala the option to transition to a 3-back without having to make a substitution. It will likely be on Hernandez to ensure Kauko does not get the space to dictate the game, nor be able to optimize his runs from deep.
When and where to watch the match?
The match will be played on 22 February, and will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST. The game will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network, and live-streamed on the FanCode digital platform.
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