The southern derby between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters comes at a decisive point in the 2025-26 Indian Super League season, now operating under a single-leg, no-playoff format where the table-topper is crowned champion and, for the very first time, the bottom club will be relegated to the I-League.
Bengaluru FC sit fourth with 14 points from seven matches and remain firmly in the title race. A win at home would take them to 17 points, keeping them within touching distance of leaders Mumbai City FC (18 points).
Kerala Blasters, meanwhile, are enduring a dismal campaign. They are second-from-bottom with just one point, having not won a single game this season. The Blasters parted ways with David Catala following their poor start to the season to bring in Ashley Westwood on March 27, but the Englishman is still searching for the club's first win of the season, having lost 2-0 against Sporting Club Delhi in the last game.
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Bengaluru come into this game high on confidence on the back of a strong 2-0 victory over FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium. Sunil Chhetri opened the scoring in the 3rd minute while Namgyal Bhutia added a late second goal in stoppage time.
The Blasters through will be boosted by the signing of Argentine winger Francisco Feuillassier Abalo, widely known as Franchu. The 27-year-old has been through the youth systems of Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano and has linked up with the squad in Kochi.
The Argentine will secure instant cult status if his inclusion helps KBFC put in a statement performance and grab a first-win of the season against their southern rivals Bengaluru.
Match Start Time, Venue
The Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC match is scheduled to be played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, from 7:30 p.m. Indian Standard Time on Saturday.
BFC vs KBFC: Head-to-Head Stats
- Matches: 20
- Bengaluru FC Win: 12
- Kerala Blasters FC: 4
- Draw: 4
Predicted Lineups
- Bengaluru FC (4-3-3): Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana Singh, Roshan Singh; Sirojiddin Kuziev, Braian Sánchez, Suresh Singh Wangjam; Sunil Chhetri, Ryan Williams, Ashique Kuruniyan.
- Kerala Blasters FC (4-4-2): Arsh (GK); Bikash Yumnam, Ndiaye Fallou, Hormipam, Naocha Singh; Vibin Mohanan, Danish Farooq, Karim Benarif, Matias Hernandes; Victor Bertemou, Muhammed Ajsal.
How To Watch Live Telecast?
The Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters match will be telecasted live on the Sony Sports Network television channels in India.
How To Watch Live Streaming?
The match will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website.
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