Kerala Blasters v Mumbai City FC: ISL 2026-27 preview and team news
Kerala Blasters FC will host Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday, October 25 in the 2026-27 Indian Super League season. Both sides enter the fixture seeking a response after Kerala surrendered a 4-1 defeat to NorthEast United FC and Mumbai opened with a loss to Churchill Brothers followed by a last‑minute draw against Punjab FC.
The match is Kerala’s first home game of the season and manager Ashley Westwood will prioritise a more organised display after his team’s defensive problems in Guwahati, where quick attacks exposed the back line. Nebojsa Kosovic and Adrian Luna are highlighted as players who could help Kerala control possession and progress the ball, while Korou Singh and Mohammed Sanan offer pace and direct running on the flanks. Momo Yansané and Andre Green are cited as players who must convert chances if Kerala are to improve their finishing and avoid repeating the mistakes that cost them last time out.
Mumbai City are preparing for their third game under head coach Manolo Marquez as he seeks to implement his ideas after an opening defeat and a draw. The Islanders have reinforced their squad with arrivals such as Wilmar Jordán Gil, who suffered an injury last game, and Sergio Llamas, who was previously with Inter Kashi. Indian players Brandon Fernandes, Akash Mishra and Farukh Choudhary are noted for having made a significant impact in Mumbai’s opening two matches, and the team will aim to use its attacking options while limiting space for Kerala’s wingers.
For Kerala Blasters FC, apart from already informed Bikash Yumnan, no one else is reported to be injured out. Mumbai City’s final lineup may be affected after Vikram Pratap and Wilmar Jordán had knocks last game which may possibly make them unavailable for the trip to Kochi. These are indicative predictions, not confirmed team selections. Predicted Kerala XI: Arsh Anwar (GK), Naocha Singh, Aiban Dohling, James Bolton, Hormipam Ruivah, Nebojsa Kosovic, Freddy Lallawmawma, Vibin Mohanan, Adrian Luna, Korou Singh, Momo Yansané. Predicted Mumbai XI: T P Rehenesh (GK), Akash Mishra, Carlos Delgado, Lazar Cirkovic, Valpuia, Bawitlung, Sergio Llamas, Brandon Fernandes, Leandro Otormin, Noufal P N, Farukh Chaudhary.
Momo Yansané will be central to Kerala’s attacking threat after scoring against NorthEast United FC; his physical presence, movement and ability to find space inside the box are emphasised as attributes that could trouble Mumbai’s defence. The preview highlights the potential combination with Korou Singh down the wide areas, suggesting that supply from wide positions will be important for Yansané to capitalise on chances.
Sergio Llamas is described as one of Mumbai’s most important players so far this season, bringing creativity and composure in midfield with passing that can link play and create chances. The piece states Llamas acts as a defensive anchor while supplying opportunities to wingers and forwards, and that his ability to deliver quality passes and also help the defence could be decisive for Mumbai in Kochi.
The preview frames the contest as likely to hinge on midfield control and defensive transitions, with the team that finishes its chances having the advantage. It states Mumbai will seek to exploit Kerala’s defensive vulnerabilities, while the Blasters will attempt to pressure the visitors with pace on the flanks; Westwood is said to require better defensive organisation, improved finishing and stronger communication if Kerala are to secure a home win.
The ISL fixture will 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 Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD, with a free digital stream available on YouTube. Mumbai City FC sit 9th on the ISL points table with 1 point, 1 draw, 1 loss and a goal difference of -1, while Kerala Blasters FC sit 6th with 3 points, 1 win, 1 loss and a goal difference of -1.