Super League Kerala 2025 – Match Preview
Forca Kochi FC vs Malappuram FC
📍 Maharajas College Ground, Kochi
🕢 Kick-off: 7:30 PM IST
The Super League Kerala 2025 action returns to the Maharajas College Ground as Forca Kochi FC, still searching for their first win of the season, face off against an unbeaten Malappuram FC in what promises to be a crucial Round 5 fixture.
🟡 Forca Kochi FC: Do-or-Die Time
Forca Kochi’s campaign has gone from bad to worse. Sitting at the bottom of the table with zero points from four matches, the Kochi-based side are now on the brink of elimination. Their last victory in the league dates back to the semi-finals of Season 1 — almost a year ago.
With qualification hopes fading fast, this fixture is a must-win for the Forca Cruz. A fifth straight defeat would confirm their early exit, while a victory could reignite faint hopes of a semi-final push.
Injury concerns continue to trouble them, with Spanish midfielder Ramon Riego’s participation still uncertain after limping off early in their previous game against Thrissur Magic FC. However, apart from that, they are expected to field a full squad.
🔵 Malappuram FC: Unbeaten but Unconvincing
Malappuram FC may be unbeaten so far, but their record of three draws and one win shows inconsistency in converting performances into victories. With six points in four games, they currently sit in fourth place, still within touching distance of the top two.
Head coach Miguel Corral will want his men to grab all three points against a struggling Forca Kochi side to secure a stronger hold on the semi-final spots. The team has been boosted by the brilliant form of John Kennedy, whose late-game impact has often changed the course of matches.
Kennedy’s sharp instincts, pace, and ability to find space have already made him one of the standout players of the tournament. If he continues his form, he could be the deciding factor once again.
⚽ Player to Watch: John Kennedy (Malappuram FC)
The versatile forward has been instrumental in Malappuram’s attack, contributing crucial goals and assists off the bench. His game awareness and composure in front of goal make him the biggest threat to Kochi’s defence.
🧤 Predicted Lineups
Forca Kochi FC (4-3-3):
Murshid (GK); Romario Jesuraj, Luis Rodriguez, Jishnu, Sreerag; Abhishek, Rachid, Mushraf; Sajeesh, Douglas Tardin, Sangeeth Satheesh.
Malappuram FC (4-3-3):
Mohammed Azhar (GK); Abdul Hakku, Sanju, Aitor, Jithin; Irshad, Facundo, Badr; Abhijith PA, Roy Krishna, Gani Abdul Nigam.
📺 Where to Watch
Catch the live action of Forca Kochi FC vs Malappuram FC on Sony Sports Network and sports.com from 7:30 PM IST onwards.
🔮 Prediction
Forca Kochi’s desperation for a win could make this a fiery contest, but Malappuram’s organization and attacking depth give them the upper hand.
Predicted Score: Forca Kochi 1–2 Malappuram FC