Bengaluru FC vs. Kerala Blasters Prediction: Bangalore has good record at home

Bengaluru FC will go against Kerala Blasters FC in Gameweek 18 of the Indian Super League at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru. Bangalore has good record at home in Indian Super League. Who will win? 

Reasons for optimism include Bengaluru's unbeaten streak in the last four home matches and their success of three wins in the last four home league matches. However, concerns arise as Bengaluru has struggled to generate goals from their starting forwards, with Sunil Chhetri managing only one goal in his last 10 games.

Bengaluru aims for another positive home run as they face Kerala Blasters. Since the substantial loss against Mumbai City in early December, Bengaluru has showcased a formidable performance in front of their supporters, being just a couple of points away from re-entering the top six. The only injury concern for Gerard Zaragoza's team is Salam Johnson Singh. Sivasakthi Narayanan, who ignited the crowd with his late appearance against Hyderabad, may contend for a starting position in this match despite not being a regular in the starting lineup. The 22-year-old has scored twice in his last six matches, making him a promising option for the upcoming game.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Nikhil Poojary, Chinglensana Singh, Slavko Damjanovic, Roshan Singh, Rohit Kumar, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Ryan Williams, Javi Hernandez, Oliver Drost, Sunil Chhetri.

Reasons for optimism include Kerala Blasters returning to winning ways and scoring four goals for the first time this season. However, concerns arise as the club grapples with a lengthy injury list and struggles in away matches.

Kerala Blasters find themselves in a favorable position for a potential resurgence in the title race, given the setbacks faced by Odisha and Mumbai City. Despite the win over Goa, Kerala Blasters remain cautious, considering Goa's own challenges. The defensive struggles persist for Kerala Blasters, compounded by an extensive injury list. Dimitrios Diamantakos, with a notable performance against Goa, has reached a total of 10 goals and three assists in 13 appearances, establishing himself as a crucial contributor to the Indian Super League campaign this season. Diamantakos' last goal, scored against Bengaluru, dates back to December 2022.

Karanjit Singh (GK), Sandeep Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Milos Drincic, Naocha Singh, Rahul K.P., Jeakson Singh, Vibin Mohanan, Daisuke Sakai, Fedor Cernych, Dimitris Diamantakos.

Despite securing a significant victory over Goa in the recent match, Kerala Blasters face ongoing challenges in the absence of key players, including Adrian Luna. Bengaluru, while initially struggling in home matches, has shown considerable solidity in their recent performances. With a series of home wins under their belt, Bengaluru enters the upcoming match with heightened confidence.