Forca Kochi FC vs Malappuram FC, Kerala Super League 2026, Today Match Prediction
Forca Kochi FC
Malappuram FC
New-Look Forca Kochi Seek Fresh Start Against Dangerous Malappuram
- Malappuram finished with the competition's second-highest scoring tally but also conceded the second-most goals last season.
- Forca Kochi suffered nine defeats in 10 matches, scoring just 10 goals and conceding a league-high 22.
- Forca Kochi were the only team in the entire competition unable to keep a single clean sheet.
Malappuram FC to win (1-0)
| Tournament: | Kerala Super League 2026 |
| Venue: | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi |
Forca Kochi FC vs Malappuram FC Match Prediction & Analysis
After playing their home games at Maharaja’s Stadium last season, Forca Kochi return to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor for their home fixtures this campaign.
The Kochi side will be hoping the change of venue brings a change in fortunes after losing all their home games last season. Standing in their way on Sunday are Malappuram, who have dominated this fixture in the league and will be looking to extend that strong record.
Head-to-head Record: Malappuram FC have been the dominant side in the rivalry of four matches with three wins and a draw.
Teams Preview
Forca Kochi FC Preview
Forca Kochi endured a forgettable campaign last season, finishing bottom with just one win and nine defeats from 10 matches. Their struggles were evident at both ends, as they scored the fewest goals (10), conceded the most (22), and were the only team unable to keep a clean sheet.
To make matters worse, one of their few bright sparks, Nijo Gilbert, who led the team in both goal contributions (2G+2A) and chances created (9), has departed along with several other players.
A major overhaul has followed, with Vital Borkelmans replacing Mario Lemos as head coach. The former Jordan national team boss will have Brazilian recruits Paulo Henrique Santos and Elton Junior to strengthen the attack, while Renan Araujo arrives to shore up the defence.
They have also added experienced goalkeeper Debjit Majumder, a former ISL and two-time I-League winner, as Forca Kochi look to put last season's struggles firmly behind them.
Forca Kochi FC Probable XI: Debjit Majumder (GK); Ajay Alex, Renan Araújo, Mohamed Salah, Nithin Madhu, Éliton Júnior, Nahuel Pereyra, Muhammed Ameen, Diego Hernandez, Paulo Henrique, Vishnu.
Malappuram FC Preview
Malappuram FC were arguably the entertainers of last season, with their games producing goals at both ends. They finished with the second-highest scoring tally but also conceded the second-most goals, and that high-risk approach ultimately proved costly in the semi-final, where they fell 3-1 to Thrissur Magic.
Still, their 3-3 draw with Calicut and narrow defeat to Kannur Warriors showed they could go toe-to-toe with the competition's strongest sides. Karim Bencherifa will hope to retain that fighting spirit while bringing greater defensive control this season.
There have been several changes to the squad, with Mashoor Shareef, former FC Goa player Daniel Lalhlimpuia and overseas recruits Amadou Soukouna, Bongani Zungu, Abdul and Samad Ango among the notable additions.
However, the biggest challenge will be replacing John Kennedy Da Costa, last season's top scorer, who has moved to Gokulam Kerala. How Malappuram cope without their star forward could prove crucial to their campaign.
Malappuram FC Probable XI: Muhammed Jaseen (GK); Harikrishnan M, Abdul Hakku, Mashoor Shereef, Bibin Ajayan, Arjun Ullas, Grâce-Adieu Youmou, Rishad PP, Akbar Siddique, Paulo Victor, Daniel Lalhlimpuia
FORCA KOCHI FC vs MALAPPURAM FC
Winning PredictionMalappuram FC will enter Sunday’s clash as the favourites, having remained unbeaten against Kochi over the last two seasons and won their last two meetings 4-2 and 4-1. However, they arrive without an away win in their last five games (D2 L3). Still, their only away victory last season came in Kochi, albeit at a different venue, while Kochi struggled home and away.
With both sides revamped for the new campaign, Malappuram’s biggest advantage could be the continuity on the touchline, with Karim Bencherifa remaining in charge. That stability gives them the edge heading into this one.
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