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Indian Super League leaders Atletico de Kolkata host second placed Chennaiyin FC in a top of the table clash at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata. The last time this two sides met it ended in a 1-1 draw, with goals coming from Luis Garcia and Elano.
Atletico de Kolkata have managed just two points in their last three home games and will be looking to cement their place at top with a win against Chennaiyin FC. Elano has now scored eight goals in the tournament and is the top scorer of the Indian Super League.
Atletico lost their last game 3-1 against FC Pune City, while Chennaiyin FC settled for a 1-1 draw in their last game also against FC Pune City.
Venue & Kick-off:
Salt Lake stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in the city of Kolkata. It is the biggest stadium in India and second biggest in the whole of Asia, boasting of a capacity of 1,20,000. The capacity has been reduced to 68,000 after the installation of bucket seats.
Kick-off: November 14, 2014 – 7:00 PM (IST)
Possible starting Line-Ups
Atletico De Kolkata (4-2-3-1): Subhashish Roy Chowdhury; Kingshuk Debnath, José Miguel González Rey, Arnab Mondal, Biswajit Saha; Borja Fernandez, Ofentse Nato, Baljit Sahni, Luis Garcia, Jofre, Fikru
Spaniard Jofre returns from his suspension and will restore his place in the starting XI ahead of Cavin Lobo. Atletico de Kolkata’s highest goal scorer Fikru is expected to lead the attack, with former Liverpool star Luis Garcia in the number ten role. Atletico de Kolkata have been very dependent on their skipper to produce goal scoring chances and their hope lies once again on him if they want to end their recent poor form. Borja Fernandez and Ofentse Nato are expected to start in the middle of the park.
Josemi and Arnab Mondal will keep their place in the heart of the defense even after conceding three goals against FC Pune City. Subhashish Roy Chowdhury keep his place in the starting XI ahead of former Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Apoula Edel. Atletico de Kolkata manager Habas will have a full squad to choose from for the first time since their game against FC Goa, which they won 2-1.
Chennaiyin FC (4-3-1-2): Bracigliano, Dhana, Silvestre, Mendy, Gouramangi, Denson, Materazzi, Khabra, Elano, Valencia, Balwant Singh
Chennaiyin FC will be once again look to its Brazilian star Elano to take them to the top of the table. Elano has scored eight goals in the tournament and has been very dangerous from dead ball situations. Atletico de Kolkata should be very careful if they are hoping to keep the former Manchester City man in check throughout the game.
Marco Materazzi should start in the central defensive role and will be given the task of keeping Luis Garcia silent. Gouramangi and Dhana are expected to start as fullbacks, while Silvestre and Mendy will start at the heart of the defense. Mendoza scored for Chennaiyin FC in their last game against FC Pune City and will partner up with Indian striker Balwant Singh up front.
Key Battles
Luis Garcia vs Marco Materazzi
Atletico de Kolkata heavily rely on their skipper and former Champions League winner with Liverpool Luis Garcia. Almost every attack from Atletico de Kolkata involves their skipper. Garcia is the root of the team and is the most creative player of the Kolkata outfit. Garcia has often created goal scoring chances for his team-mates with his defense splitting passes. World Cup winner Marco Materazzi will need to be alert if he intends to keep Garcia check. If Chennaiyin FC can keep Garcia in check, then they have evry chance to take back something from the game.
Elano vs Ofentse Nato
Elano has found the back of the net eight times in the tournament mostly through free-kicks or penalties. Botswana defensive midfielder Ofentse Nato will have to be very careful against the former Manchester City man. The 25-year-old has to make sure he doesn’t concede unnecessary free-kicks, something Elano can take advantage of. Just like Atletico de Kolkata, Chennaiyin FC are very reliable on their marquee signing Elano Blumer and if Nato can keep him check throughout the game Atletico de Kolkata will have no difficulties in retaining the top position of the Indian Super League standings.
Prediction
Expect it to be a tight match with home side Atletico de Kolkata taking away the three points in front of their home crowd.
Atletico de Kolkata 2-1 Chennaiyin FC
