In a bid to return to successful methods, Kerala Blasters FC are set to host Punjab FC on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Monday, February 12.

The Blasters had a formidable begin to their ISL season and have been atop the standings on the midway mark of the marketing campaign. Nevertheless, after a disappointing Tremendous Cup, they suffered a 2-1 loss to Odisha FC of their first ISL sport this yr.

This final result dropped them to 3rd place within the standings with 26 factors to their identify. Nevertheless, a victory would propel them above FC Goa to second place, whereas they may path league leaders Odisha FC by two factors with a sport in hand.

Head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, whose staff has remained undefeated at dwelling this season, anticipates a difficult match in opposition to Punjab FC and emphasizes the significance of the Manjappada supporters being in full voice to safe a optimistic final result.

“I expect a hard game, you know, with many duels, lots of runnings and, of course, hoping that with the help of the fans, tomorrow (on Monday), that we can achieve something nice. So now hopefully they will come tomorrow to support us. We need them, we need them now in more than ever,” he said on the pre-match press convention.

In the meantime, Punjab FC, after a troublesome begin to the season, are beginning to convert good performances into outcomes. Staikos Vergitis seems to have discovered the suitable stability to his aspect, with the likes of Madih Talal, Luka Majcen, and Wilmar Jordan Gil in tremendous type because the flip of the yr.

Their latest 3-1 win over Bengaluru FC has propelled them again into competition for a playoff spot, as they sit simply 5 factors behind sixth-placed NorthEast United, who’ve performed an extra sport in comparison with the Shers.

With momentum in Punjab FC’s favor, head coach Staikos Vergisitis is assured that his staff have the idea to safe a good final result in Kochi.

“One positive result helps the psychology of the player get to a good level. It gives them confidence. I had seen from our (Kalinga) Super Cup games that they have more confidence, and this is something that was confirmed in the last game, ” Vergitis stated within the pre-match press convention.