ISL 2026-27: Kerala Blasters to host Mumbai City — confirmed lineups and pre-match updates
Kerala Blasters FC will host Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi in an Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 fixture on Sunday, October 25; kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST. The clubs have published confirmed lineups and provided pre-match injury and team updates ahead of the Blasters’ first home game of the season.
Kerala enter the match after a 4-1 defeat to NorthEast United FC and will aim to address the defensive issues that surfaced in Guwahati, where the side struggled to handle quick attacks. Ashley Westwood, the Blasters’ head coach, is seeking a more organised showing from his players on home soil. The team will look to regain control through midfield and tighter defensive shape. Nebojsa Kosovic and Adrian Luna have been identified as players who could help Kerala dominate possession and progress the ball.
Kerala’s wide players Korou Singh and Mohammed Sanan are expected to use their pace and direct running to trouble Mumbai’s defence, while Momo Yansané is cited as the primary threat to convert chances in the box. Andre Green is also mentioned as a player capable of making an impact in the final third. The Blasters have attacking options but need to be more clinical and reduce defensive lapses that hurt them in their previous outing.
Mumbai City will play their third game under new head coach Manolo Marquez and arrive after a defeat to Churchill Brothers and a last-minute draw with Punjab FC. The club is aiming to use its attacking resources and control the midfield while avoiding conceding space to Kerala’s wingers. The squad has new additions including Wilmar Jordán Gil, who suffered an injury in the last game, and Sergio Llamas, who joined from Inter Kashi. Indian players Brandon Fernandes, Akash Mishra and Farukh Choudhary are referenced as having made a significant impact in Mumbai’s opening matches.
Kerala Blasters’ confirmed XI reads: Arsh Anwar (GK), Naocha Singh, Aiban Dohling, James Bolton, Hormipam Ruivah, Nebojsa Kosovic, Freddy Lallawmawma, Vibin Mohanan, Adrian Luna, Korou Singh, Momo Yansané.
Mumbai City’s confirmed XI reads: T P Rehenesh (GK), Akash Mishra, Carlos Delgado, Lazar Cirkovic, Valpuia, Bawitlung, Sergio Lllamas, Brandon Fernandes, Leandro Otormin, Noufal P N, Farukh Choudhary.
Kerala have one known absentee in Bikash Yumnan, who is already reported injured, and no other new injuries have been reported for the Blasters. Mumbai’s final lineup may be altered after star starter Vikram PaRtap and talisman Wilmar Jordan picked up knocks in the previous game, which may possibly make them unavailable for the trip to Kochi.
The ISL fixture is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM IST on Sunday, October 25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi and will be shown live on Sony LIV, with a free digital stream available on YouTube. For ongoing match coverage and updates, follow Khel Now on its social platforms or via its mobile apps.
