Hero Indian Super League leaders Atletico de Kolkata take on Kerala Blasters in the 13th fixture of the competition on Sunday.
Despite being on the top of the Hero Indian Super League, with three wins and a draw in their opening four fixtures, Atletico de Kolkata are currently in a complete mess ahead of their clash against bottom placed side Kerala Blasters.
Kolkata manager Antonio Lopez Habas and their striker Fikru Teferra have been fined ₹5,00,000 each and handed a four and a two-match ban respectively by the ISL authorities after they were found guilty of breaching AIFF Disciplinary Code (Article 58) of Offensive Behaviour and Fair Play during their 2-1 win over FC Goa in their last fixture.
While Habas was found guilty of punching FC Goa's Robert Pires on the face, Fikru was charged for headbutting Gregory Arnolin after the half-time whistle.
However, despite everything, Kolkata will still be a force to be reckoned with, against the hapless Blasters, who are still yet to get their first point in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League.
And Kolkata captain Josemi, who says that his side need to forget about "the last game", insists that his side are ready for the Blasters.
"Now the most important thing for the team is to forget about the last game. Tomorrow is an important game for the team. We are ready for the three points. Now it has passed," Josemi told Goal, adding that Habas' absence will not be affecting Kolkata's performance against the Blasters.
"No problem if the coach is not on the bench. The coach does not play, but it's the players. That is most important. We are ready"
Meanwhile, the Blasters will be hoping to take advantage of Kolkata's momentary crisis and register their first win in the competition.
The Sachin Tendulkar co-owned franchise have been very poor in the ISL so far, recording back-to-back defeats in their opening two fixtures against NorthEast United (1-0) and Chennaiyin FC (2-1).
Despite their poor form, Blasters player/manager David James insists that he is not disappointed with his team's performances, saying that his team just need to finish better.
"I cannot be disappointed with the performance of the team so far. Against Chennaiyin FC, we created quite a few opportunities but lacked finishing. That is something we need to look into," the 44 year-old told Goal.
Still the former England goalkeeper insists that his team are wary of his opponents admitting that "Atletico have started well and look a very organised side."
Assistant coach Trevor Morgan also feels that the Blasters need to work on their finishing.
"We need to start scoring the opportunities that we have been creating. That's the only thing that's been missing from our game. We also need to convert the chances we are making. It would be a concern if we did not create opportunities," said Morgan.
Where to Watch Live
The match is scheduled for a 4:30pm IST (11:30am BST, 7am ET) start with live coverage in India on Star Sports 2, Star Sports HD2, Star Sports 3, Star Gold, Asianet Movies,Suvarna Channel and Jalsha Movies.
Viewers can also watch the 13th game of the ISL via live streaming online for free on Starsports.com.
US viewers can live stream the action on FoxSoccer2go, while Europe viewers can catch the action live on Eurosport or their online Player. Middle East and North Africa viewers can watch the game on Bein Sports or via live streaming on Bein Sports Connect.
