ISL 2024-25: Mumbai City Aims for Playoff Spot Against Kerala Blasters FC
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Synopsis
Mumbai City FC is poised to secure a playoff position against Kerala Blasters FC in the ISL 2024-25. With just a point needed, the Islanders aim for their 24th league double, while Kerala Blasters seek to end their season on a positive note.
Key Takeaways
- Mumbai City FC needs one point to qualify for the playoffs.
- Kerala Blasters FC has struggled defensively this season.
- The two teams will meet for the 22nd time.
- Both coaches express optimism for their respective teams.
- Mumbai City FC is on an unbeaten run in their last eight away games.
Kochi, March 6 (NationPress) Mumbai City FC is set to face Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 this Friday.
The Islanders require just a single point to secure a playoff position as they are currently tied at 33 points with the sixth-placed Odisha FC. Nevertheless, the Juggernauts have concluded their league matches, while Mumbai City FC still has two games left to play. Kerala Blasters FC is out of the playoff race, sitting at ninth place with 25 points from 22 matches. In their previous encounter in November, Mumbai City FC triumphed over Kerala Blasters FC with a score of 4-2 and is now aiming for their 24th league double in ISL history, equalling FC Goa for the most doubles in the league.
This season, Kerala Blasters FC has conceded 36 goals, matching their highest number in a single ISL season (2020-21). They have allowed 34 goals against Mumbai City FC, with only FC Goa (50) having scored more against them.
Despite their defensive struggles, Kerala Blasters FC has scored 31 goals this season, only surpassing this tally in the 2021-22 (37 goals) and 2023-24 (33 goals) campaigns. They aim to enhance their defensive structure while maintaining their offensive consistency in the remaining matches.
The Islanders are on an unbeaten streak in their last eight away games (W4 D4) and have the opportunity to match their longest away streak of nine games, which occurred from October 2022 to February 2023.
Mumbai City FC averages 14.5 shots per game, ranking third in ISL 2024-25 (behind NorthEast United FC – 16.2 and Mohun Bagan Super Giant – 15.5). However, their shot conversion rate is just 8.5 percent, the third lowest this season, reflecting their position as the fourth-least scoring team (27 goals) in the league.
The two teams have faced each other 21 times, with Mumbai City FC winning 10 matches and Kerala Blasters FC claiming victory in five, while six matches ended in draws.
Kerala Blasters FC interim head coach TG Purushothaman expressed his desire for his team to finish the season on a high note.
“I want to approach these games in a positive manner. We will have to give our best efforts,” he stated.
Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky conveyed optimism regarding his team's performance going forward.
“I am very positive about this team. We must continue to work diligently and fight until the end,” he remarked.
