Kochi: The last time Kerala Blasters started their season with a 1-0 defeat to NorthEast United in the Indian Super League, they nearly lifted the title.
After starting the new season with a 1-0 loss in Guwahati, the Blasters are hoping to rediscover their mojo from the first season, following a terrible second, as they get behind their fanatic supporters, for the first home game of the season, against Atletico de Kolkata on Wednesday.
The Kerala camp is bolstered by the availability of fan favourite Josu Currais Prieto who has served a two-match suspension.
Haitian strikers Kervens Belfort and Duckens Nazon are options upfront alongside Mohammed Rafi while Antonio German could start on the bench leaving space for Michael Chopra.
Returning to their old stomping ground are two heroes from Kerala’s first season — midfield enforcer Stephen Pearson and ISL’s all-time leading goal-scorer Iain Hume.
The attacking quartet of Kolkata, comprising Javier Lara, Helder Postiga, Sameehg Doutie and Hume had nine shots on target, the highest in the first round of the league this season.
