So, we’re going back to where it all started – Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) a.k.a the Salt Lake Stadium in West Bengal. The Blasters had their first game this season, which was also their first away game this season at the VYBK, exactly a month ago and in sheer case of coincidence, the Blasters have their second away game this season at the VYBK.
The match is set to take place on 14th March 2026 at 17:00 IST. Enough with the silly facts, let’s dive right into the match preview before we march in to watch the match.
A Flying East Bengal
Goals are the biggest concern for Kerala Blasters but not for East Bengal, with the former being the lowest scoring team in ISL right now with just 1 goal to their name while the latter is the 2nd highest scoring team in the league, with 3 different scorers and with each of them individually having scored more goals than the Blasters from the same amount of games.
Spanish Forward Youssef Ezzejjari is the torchbearer of the attacking department for the Lal Holud Brigade, having scored 4 goals in 4 games, sitting 2nd, just behind Bagan’s Jamie Maclaren in the Golden Boot race.
Brazilian attacking midfielder Miguel Figueira and domestic forward Edmund Lalrindika bolster the EB attack with creativity and physical dominance, with both of them having found the back of the net twice in the league already, one more than what the Blasters have managed to score across the league till now.
The Red-and-Gold Brigade also have the services of veteran ISL goal scorers in Bipin, Nandha and Jerry, along with Naorem Mahesh and young blood like David and Vishnu, along with their latest foreign signing, Anton Söjberg, making this EB attack a nightmare for most defenses in the league.
A Flapping Blasters
A point that we mentioned multiple times, even in the latter sentence of the previous paragraph – The Blasters lack goals, the men in yellow have only been able to find the back of the net once till now, that too coming from a set piece rather than open play. The Blasters have looked clueless in attack this season, and with most attacking moves lacking in creativity and relishing in repetitiousness, it has made playing frustrating for the players and the viewing vexatious for the fans.
The current batch of foreign forwards are yet to impress both fans and pundits alike, with serious questions about the players’ qualities being asked among fans, especially considering how staple foreign forwards are for an ISL side to score the deciders.
Head Coach David Catala is currently on the hot seat as well after losing 4 games in a row, that too with disappointing performances from his side, which, even after constant changes to his on-paper and on-pitch formations and tactics, have never looked improved in the last couple of games.
The Blasters currently lack a successful stable lineup, and everyone involved in and around KBFC would be expecting him to fix things up pretty quickly, as the club currently stands just a spot above the relegation zone, that too just by goal difference.
Team News:
East Bengal are expected have a completely fit squad with the exception of Argentine defender Kevin Sibille at the back. For Kerala Blasters, the availability of Korou Singh continues to be unavailable as the player is currently going through some personal issues.
Rowllin Borges is back in training while the availability of Bikash Yumnam who was stretched off with an injury in the last game is a doubt. Victor Bertomeu has been handed a three-match suspension for a dangerous action he performed in the last game against Chennaiyin FC.
Head-to-Head:
Total matches: 11
East Bengal FC wins: 3
Draws: 3
Kerala Blasters FC wins: 5
Expected Lineups:
Kerala Blasters (4-3-3):
Arsh (GK); Sandeep, Fallou, Bikash, Naocha; Matias, Ebindas, Vibin; Nihal, Jai, Yoke;
East Bengal (4-5-1):
Gill (GK); Rakip, Jeakson, Anwar, Lalchungnunga; Edmund, Miguel, Rashid, Mahesh, Bipin; Ezzejjari;
Key Battles:
Fallou Ndiaye vs Youssef Ezzejjari
As we mentioned previously, Youssef is the Torch Bearer of this EB attack. The Spanish Forward has slightly rocked the league till now with his impressive movement, particularly off-the-ball, in crucial areas and with his composure on the ball in striking positions. He’ll be the most likely pick for Oscar Bruzon to start at the CF role, and as the target man for the opposition, he is the primary target for the Blasters’ new Senegalese CB, Fallou Ndiaye.
Even though Fallou was fit enough to be picked on to the matchday squad and to be put on the bench for the Blasters in the previous game, he wasn’t used due to the conditions that the Blasters had found themselves in.
And with the rotations Catala is currently making to the squad, it isn’t far-fetched to believe that Fallou might just get his debut for the Blasters in Bengal, that too against one of the more threatening teams in the league this season. Fallou has a good aerial presence as well, so you might need to look into the box when those crosses come in 🙂
Matias Hernandez vs Miguel Figueira
Miguel is one of the if not the most threatening midfielders in the league this season. Standing at 1.88 metres tall, the 25 y/o Brazilian no. 8 is one of the most technically gifted midfielders to partake in the league this season, with his ability to both create and finish play from short and long ranges, making him a lethal weapon for Oscar Bruzon and EB.
Managing this menacing presence in the midfield might be the primary duty of Spaniard Matias Hernandez, who looks to solidify his spot in the starting 11, following a decent display against Chennaiyin in the midfield previously. Matias is sure to have his work cut out for him this evening, as in the case that he fails to contain the Brazilian trickster, the resulting ramifications could be immense.
Jai Quitongo vs Anwar Ali
With Victor Bertomeu suspended for three games, it is expected that Scottisih striker Jai Quitongo would start as the center-forward for the team. Jai would be looking to kick-start his ISL career with a decent performance against the Red-and-Gold brigade, but in his way stands Anwar Ali.
The 25 y/o Indian International has had a solid couple of seasons under his belt in the recent years and has continued his good form in this season as well, and would be looking to get his team their next victory this season along with a clean sheet and with Jai being the target man for the Blasters, Anwar would be determined to make the most of his lack of match fitness as they step on to the pitch in Kolkata.
Where to Watch?
- FanCode (Streaming)
- Sony Sports Network (Television)
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