Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Sporting Buzz
-
KKR vs RR, IPL 2024 Twitter Reaction: Sunil Narine hailed by Social Media after Stellar Century -
KKR vs RR, IPL 2024: Fans Question 'Too Casual' Attitude of Riyan Parag On Twitter For Dropping An Easy Catch -
KKR vs RR IPL 2024: Why Avesh Khan Celebrated with Sanju Samson Gloves after Phil Salt Catch? -
Swimming: Indian Duo Completes Historic 32-Km Swim Across Ram Setu For Noble Cause -
Harmanpreet Singh is one of the best drag-flickers in world hockey: Rupinder Pal Singh -
IPL 2024 KKR vs RR Live Score, Match 31 Latest Updates: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler Begin Rajasthan Royals chase -
Arsenal vs Bayern: A Chance for Gunners Redemption orchestrated by Mikel Arteta -
FIDE Candidates Tournament: French GM Alireza Firouzja and His Father Caught In Controversy, Here's Why -
Most Runs in IPL 2024, Orange Cap Holder - Sunil Narine Jumpst To 3rd Spot: Top 10 Highest Run Scorers And Team-wise Top 5 Batters On April 16 -
GT vs DC Playing 11 IPL 2024 Match 32: Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals Team News, Predicted Lineup
Guwahati, February 16: Kerala Blasters FC coach David James is up against a man who coached him in the past but pleasantries will be exchanged only till kick-off as the visitors look for nothing less than full points against NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) tie at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Saturday (February 17).
Blasters have a fighting chance of qualifying for the semifinals with 21 points from 15 matches. They must win all three remaining matches to have a chance of qualifying and may still not make it. And James, the former England goalkeeper, will have to start it all by outwitting NorthEast coach Avram Grant, who was his coach at Portsmouth FC in 2010.
Portsmouth, captained by James, made it to the final of the FA Cup against all odds, where they lost 0-1 to Chelsea FC, who also won the Premier League that season.
"The coach was my player. Eight years ago we made it to the final of the (FA) Cup. We had an unbelievable achievement. He was the captain. I wish him all the best but we will try to win the game. It's good for the future that the team will not give up and show good mentality," said Grant during the pre-match media interaction.
NorthEast are already out of the competition but will need the three points to give their home fans something to cheer. Two of their three victories have come at home.
One day to go! #Highlanders take on Kerala Blasters FC at the Sarusajai Stadium tomorrow.
— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) February 16, 2018
Tickets available online - https://t.co/39USyzlFEd#8States1United pic.twitter.com/vrmrL3bOmE
"You all know what happened in the first half of the season. We tried to improve things that needed to improve. We came out of the situation. From being good in counter, now we dominate and create a lot of chances. Last three games is typical to what happened, control the game, miss chances and rivals score from one half-attack. The results are better than the first half but not like we expected," added Grant.
Blasters allowed defending champions ATK to snatch points from them with a late draw in their last game which halted their run of two successive victories. Assistant coach Hermann Hreioarsson admitted that the focus has been on them ahead of this clash and they are now ready to put their best foot forward.
Looks like the lads are enjoying the training session in Guwahati (1/2)#KeralaBlasters #IniKaliMaarum #HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/bjoOc5DqPm
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) February 15, 2018
"We're still in it. We've to go into every game playing for a win. We're happy with our progress. In the last game, we created many chances: 18 shots and 25 crosses," said Hreioarsson.
Blasters can reach a maximum of 30 points and will need FC Pune City (28 points), Chennaiyin FC (27 points) and Jamshedpur FC (25 points) to drop points.
(Source: ISL Media)
Kick off is at 8PM
Live on Star Sports 2 and Hotstar
