ATK, Kerala eye to step up towards play-offs

NEW DELHI/KOLKATA: Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters will battle at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium for strengthening their spot on the table in a Hero Indian Super League game on Tuesday.

Kolkata and Kerala are placed third and fourth respectively with both of them having 18 points from 12 matches. The only thing that separates their table standings currently is the goal difference. The former champions enjoy a superior head-to-head record against the Blasters.

“The work that these players have been doing since the day one gives me confidence. They are working really hard. They are improving. They are trying to do their best and help the team,” said Molina during the pre-match media interaction.

Atletico de Kolkata scored a last-gasp 2-1 victory against FC Goa in their last match. It was a match they dominated and deserved to score more goals, forward to it. It’s coming to the meaty end of the season. You need to try and play your very best (during) these last couple of games,” said Kerala Blasters coach Steve Coppell.

Despite Coppell’s confidence, Kerala Blasters will have to remain guarded against Atletico de Kolkata. Kerala are on a four-match winning streak at home but have failed to impress in away games. They have not won any of their last three away matches and have conceded 10 goals away from home, a record that is bettered only by bottomplaced teams like Chennaiyin FC (12) and FC Goa (12).

Worryingly, Kerala Blasters have failed to score in four of their six away games and scored only three away goals, the lowest by any team.

“Three points are important for both teams. Kolkata have been unlucky in few of the games which they have drawn. They have powerful forwards and we will have to be at our best to get anything out of the game,” said Coppell.