The Indian Super League 2025-26 season kicks off with a blockbuster clash as defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant host Kerala Blasters at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata. Kick-off is scheduled for 07:00 GMT+0 on Saturday, February 14, 2026, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive campaign. The venue, with a capacity of around 68,000, is expected to be packed with passionate Mariners supporters. No specific referee has been confirmed in advance reports, but the match falls under the standard ISL officiating panel for the opening round. This is the regular season opener (Matchday 1) of the Indian Super League, where Mohun Bagan aim to carry forward their title-winning momentum from last season.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
Get ready for an intense start to the new ISL campaign. Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Kerala Blasters prediction today highlights why this fixture draws massive attention home dominance meets a side hungry for redemption. Recent results show contrasting paths, with one team riding high confidence and the other rebuilding. Head-to-head battles often deliver goals and drama. Expect tactical discipline early on as both sides shake off pre-season rust. This matchup sets the benchmark for betting value right from day one.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant Results
Mohun Bagan Super Giant enter as defending champions after a dominant 2024-25 campaign, claiming the League Winners’ Shield and ISL Cup. They boast a strong home record and squad depth under new coach Sergio Lobera. Recent form shows consistency in high-stakes games.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 31.10.25 | HSC | Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal | 0-0 | D |
| 28.10.25 | HSC | Mohun Bagan vs Dempo | 0-0 | D |
| 25.10.25 | HSC | Mohun Bagan vs Chennaiyin | 2-0 | W |
| 18.10.25 | IFS | East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan | 1-2 | W |
| 15.10.25 | IFS | Mohun Bagan vs United SC | 2-0 | W |
Mohun Bagan have shown defensive solidity with three clean sheets in these five outings. Wins came against varied opposition, underlining their ability to control games. Draws were goalless, pointing to cautious approaches in cup ties. Home form remains a key strength ahead of the opener. Overall, this run builds momentum for the title defence.
Kerala Blasters Results
Kerala Blasters approach the new season with a revamped squad under David Catala, following several key departures and arrivals. They seek their first ISL title after consistent playoff pushes. Pre-season showed mixed results with wins mixed against weaker sides.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 06.11.25 | HSC | Mumbai City vs Kerala Blasters | 1-0 | L |
| 03.11.25 | HSC | Kerala Blasters vs SC Delhi | 3-0 | W |
| 30.10.25 | HSC | Rajasthan United vs Kerala Blasters | 0-1 | W |
| 26.04.25 | HSC | Kerala Blasters vs Mohun Bagan | 1-2 | L |
| 20.04.25 | HSC | Kerala Blasters vs East Bengal | 2-0 | W |
Kerala picked up solid wins in domestic cups but struggled against top opposition. The loss to Mumbai highlights defensive vulnerabilities on the road. Victories were convincing against lower-tier teams. Recent H2H defeat to Mohun Bagan lingers. This form suggests they need early momentum to challenge.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Kerala Blasters Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
The rivalry favors Mohun Bagan heavily, with dominant results in recent ISL encounters. Kerala have struggled to break their defense consistently.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 26.04.25 | HSC | Kerala Blasters vs Mohun Bagan | 1-2 |
| 15.02.25 | ISL | Kerala Blasters vs Mohun Bagan | 0-3 |
| 14.12.24 | ISL | Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters | 3-2 |
| 13.03.24 | ISL | Kerala Blasters vs Mohun Bagan | 3-4 |
| 27.12.23 | ISL | Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters | 0-1 |
Mohun Bagan won four of the last five, often in high-scoring affairs. Kerala’s sole victory was narrow. Home advantage has been decisive. Expect Mohun Bagan to exploit this historical edge.
Predicted Starting Lineups: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Kerala Blasters
Predicted lineups for this ISL season opener are based on recent squad updates, pre-season trends, and expert previews from sources like Khel Now, TheTopBookies, and TackleFromBehind. These are probable XIs ahead of the February 14, 2026 clash, as official starting elevens are confirmed closer to kick-off. Injuries, tactical choices by coaches Sergio Lobera and David Catala, and rotation for the new campaign could influence final selections.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant possible starting lineup
Vishal Kaith (GK), Subhasish Bose (DF), Tom Aldred (DF), Alberto Rodriguez (DF), Mehtab Singh (DF), Anirudh Thapa (MF), Apuia (MF), Liston Colaco (MF), Manvir Singh (MF), Jason Cummings (MF), Jamie Maclaren (FW).
Kerala Blasters possible starting lineup
Sachin Suresh (GK), Sandeep Singh (DF), Bikash Yumnam (DF), Oumar Bah (DF), Naocha Singh (DF), Rowllin Borges (MF), Vibin Mohanan (MF), Korou Singh (MF), Marlon Roos Trujillo (FW), Kévin Yoke (FW), Víctor Bertomeu (FW).
Key Match Insights and Team News
Both sides head into the opener with fresh squads and tactical tweaks. Focus falls on injuries, returns, and early-season sharpness. Here are the critical factors:
- Mohun Bagan defend their title as champions with strong home unbeaten run in ISL.
- Kerala Blasters feature new signings like Kévin Yoke and Marlon Roos Trujillo, but lost key players including Adrián Luna and Noah Sadaoui.
- Mohun Bagan boast depth; no major reported injuries, full squad available under Sergio Lobera.
- Kerala miss several overseas stars from last season, impacting attacking options.
- Mohun Bagan’s home fortress: won 13 straight ISL home games recently.
- Kerala’s road form remains a concern after mixed pre-season results.
- High motivation for Mohun Bagan to start strong as defending champs.
- Potential for goals given H2H history of over 2.5 in most clashes.
Free Tips on Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Kerala Blasters
This section delivers practical, data-backed free betting tips tailored to the ISL season opener. Drawing from recent team performances, head-to-head trends, and venue-specific factors, these insights help spot value without repeating core team news or injuries. Focus remains on statistical patterns and contextual edges for this Kolkata clash.
- Leverage home dominance in early-season games — Mohun Bagan Super Giant have maintained an exceptional unbeaten home streak in recent ISL matches, often converting high possession into clean-sheet wins against mid-tier sides like Kerala.
- Consider historical goal trends in this fixture — The last five encounters averaged over 3.5 goals combined, with Mohun Bagan frequently scoring multiple times, making over 2.5 a recurring outcome despite occasional low-scoring pre-season ties.
- Account for Kerala’s inconsistent away performances — Kerala Blasters have struggled on the road against top opposition, picking up fewer points and conceding more xG away compared to home, which aligns with their recent losses in similar high-pressure setups.
- Factor in stadium and fan boost for the hosts — The passionate crowd at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan acts as a significant advantage for Mohun Bagan, pushing them in title-defence openers where home support has historically lifted performance levels.
- Monitor weather’s subtle impact on pace — February conditions in Kolkata typically feature warm temperatures around 28-32°C with low rain risk, favoring Mohun Bagan’s quick, possession-based style over Kerala’s counter-attacks on a dry, fast natural grass pitch.
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Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Kerala Blasters Match Prediction
Mohun Bagan Super Giant hold clear advantage as defending champions with superior squad stability, home dominance, and historical edge in this fixture. Kerala Blasters show promise with new faces but face challenges from departures and inconsistent away form. Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Kerala Blasters odds heavily favor the hosts around 1.50-1.56 range across bookmakers, reflecting market confidence. Expect Mohun Bagan to control possession and exploit flanks, while Kerala may counter but struggle to convert. Likely outcome: home win with 2+ goals from Mohun Bagan. A 2-0 or 2-1 scoreline fits patterns from recent H2H and form. Mohun Bagan’s defensive record (multiple clean sheets) supports low BTTS chance. This opener should see the Mariners claim three points to launch their defence strongly.
Our Prediction: Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2-0 Kerala Blasters
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Winner | Mohun Bagan Super Giant | 1.44 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 2.06 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.81 |
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