Kerala football news

I-League 2009-10| Viva Kerala vs. Dempo

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Another home tie for ‘Neelapada’ but a tougher opponent – Dempo who are currently the I-League table toppers. The home team is in the middle of a sluggish crab-fight with five other clubs and will be desperate for pulling off a result.

Dempo, on the other hand, have moved four point away from Mahindra and six away from Kolkata clubs Mohun Bagan and Chirag United. They have been getting everything right for the last few matches but will be wary of a sturdy Viva unit that is not easy to beat at home.

The last time the two teams played each other, Dempo beat Viva Kerala 3-1 with Sunil Chetri, Ranty Martins Soleye and Joaquim Abraches scoring a goal apiece after T Karma had given Viva a shock lead in the opening fifteen to twenty minutes.

Form Guide

Last five completed matches during the current season (2009-10) excluding friendlies/practice matches and most recent results first

Viva Kerala – DLLWW

Three matches without a win including a dismal performance against Lajong in the semifinals at the recently concluded EK Nayanar Memorial Gold Cup have definitely put Viva on the back foot after a promising start to the New Year. The team will be looking to make amends against the Goan powerhouse.

Dempo – WWDWD

The Goan side has amassed point ease during the season. Stability and considerable bench strength has been the key for them. They have not been overly dependant on any particular player for goals.

Team News

Viva Kerala

The home team has had a few hiccups coming into the match. Goalkeeper K Sharat had a disastrous outing against Lajong in Kannur and was under the scanner for a drop. But after throwing the ball into the net and gifting Salgaocar the goal was definitely a grave mistake. This should definitely clear the way for former junior India camper Shahinlal Meloly to don the gloves once again.

Charles Dzisah had a nightmare of a game against Salgaocar but given that he could have been rusty due to lack of match practice gives him the benefit of doubt. Experience Bello Rasaq and youngster Surjit are certain to start. K Noushad had a troubled calf muscle but is fit to play. Should the need arise, former India U19 defender Amarwant Singh and backup played Marshook can come into action.

Captain Sakeer will miss the match courtesy of the two yellow cards he picked up from the previous matches. Right winger T Karma had to be taken to the hospital due to a clash with a Salgaocar player during the last match. He is likely to start from the bench due to the three stiches near his eye-brow.

Coach Sreedharan will have a sleepless night trying to think of the various combinations possible in midfield. Holding midfielder Patrick and Left winger Siraj are certain to start along with possibly Sajesh and Rahul. Nishad who had a decent match against Salgaocar will be unlucky to miss out.

Rueben “Heskey” Senyo and former Kerala U21 captain Anish are likely to be the two strikers. Anish is back from an injury and is likely to start ahead of Nishad. Younster Sabeeth is likely to start from the bench and may be called into action during the second half. Shibinlal is not fully fit and may miss the match.

Probable XI (4-4-2): Shahinlal Meloly – K Noushad, Bello Rasaq, Charles Dzisah, VV Surjit – P Sajesh, Raman Patrick Sisupalan, P Rahul, C Sirajuddeen – Rueben Senyo, KP Anish.

Dempo

Coach Armando Colaco has a team with considerable depth in each position – something that has helped the team in the past and is likely to be more than a handful for the young Viva team.

Junior India player Laxmikant Kattimani has been able to keep the No.1 role lately ans he has to thank the Indian selectors for the faith shown by them. The string of poor performances by Abhijit Mondal and Tyson Caido has also helped his cause.

In defence, Mahesh Gawli and long-term absentee Sameer Naik will be missed dearly. But Indian starlet Anwar Ali and the three Goan defenders Valeriano Rebello, John Dias and Cressan Antao have stood up to the challenge each time. Covan Lawrence, another decent player, has been on the bench for a while now as the others have performed well.

Indian national team players Anthony Pereira and Climax Lawrence are a great asset to have for any team. Fellow Indian national Clifford Miranda has not traveled with the team. Brazilian Beto may get a game ahead of the experienced Peter Carvalho. Jerry Zirsanga is likely to be given another start on the wing. The midfield has been extremely strong and players like junior India player Sheikh Raja and left winger Nicholau Borges will be on the bench for the match.

Star striker Sunil Chetri is trying his luck with numerous US-based clubs through try-outs and is unavailable for the match. Junior India player Joaquim Abranches has also not traveled with the team due to an injury. Youngster Clifton Gonsalves is likely to partner seasoned Ranty Martins Soleye upfront.

Probable XI (4-4-2): Laxmikant Kattimani – Valeriano Rebello, Anwar Ali, John Dias, Cressan Antao – Anthony Pereira, Climax Lawrence, Beto, Jerry Zirsanga – Ranty Martins Soleye, Clifton Gonsalves.

Players to Watch

Raman Patrick Sisupalan (Viva Kerala) – The Viva medio will pull the strings from midfield in the absence of Viva’s creative spark MP Sakeer. The PIO, in his first season, has been impressive for Viva so far.

Ranty Martins Soleye (Dempo) – The striker has been creating waves in the I-League for years now. His remarkable ability to score has made him a household name in the Indian football fraternity.

Key Matchups

Bello Rasaq vs. Ranty Martins Soleye
C Sirajuddeen vs. Anthony Pereira
Rueben Senyo vs. Anwar Ali

Jason Morais writes for footballkerala.com