ISL: Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin FC - What we can expect - Preview and Prediction

Kerala Blasters host Chennaiyin FC in an important encounter of the Indian Super League

Kerala Blasters take on Chennaiyin FC, in the second installment of the South Indian derby. Both teams come into this match, running low on form and morale as Kerala suffered a 3-0 hammering at the hands of FC Goa and Chennaiyin were slaughtered 3-0 by NorthEast United. Both sides would look to grab all three points, lift their spirits and improve their ailing form.

Venue and Kickoff

Kerala’s home ground of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, is one of the most attended stadiums in the Super League. With stadium attendance reaching upto thirty thousand, the fans are expected to create an electric atmosphere with their vociferous cheering. Although the crowd would be cheering for the home side – Kerala Blasters, Chennaiyin’s fans will play a big role in uplifting their team’s spirits as the South Indian derby takes place.

Kickoff: 7 PM IST

Probable Line-ups

Kerala Blasters (4-4-2): David James, Sandesh Jhigan, Gurwinder Singh, Cedric Hengbart, Saumik, Ahmed, Pearson, Penn Orji, Godwin, Iain Hume, Andrew Barisic

Kerala Blasters’s impressive resurgence was cut short when they were defeated 3-0 by FC Goa. Still, the Sachin Tendulkar co-owned side has turned its fortunes around and now sits in the coveted semi-finals spots, a pedestal which looked impossible to achieve given their torrid Super League opening.

Led by the attacking duo of Iain Hume and Andrew Barisic, Kerala are expected to press from the top. Iain Hume has been one of the standout performers among the Kerala contingent and is expected to return to the starting XI. Penn Orji, is another veteran who was unused in Kerala’s defeat to FC Goa and is expected to start in this encounter. Orji has been pivotal in Kerala’s resurgence and his bombarding runs forward often have resulted in goals for Kerala.

A solid defensive platform is provided by Sandesh Jhingan, Cedric Hengbart, Gurwinder Singh and Saumik, while David James in goal will look to keep the opposition attacks at bay.

Chennaiyin FC (4-3-3): Bracigliano, Harmanjot Khabra, Bernad Mendy, Jairo Suarez, Dhanachandra Singh, Djemba-Djemba, Pellisari, Denson, Balwant Singh, Maurice, Jeje

Although Chennaiyin FC lost to a much more dominant NorthEast United side, last time around, the Abhishek Bachchan co-owned side certainly miss the quality of Elano and the workrate of Mendoza. The signing of Alessandro Nesta has been quite bizzare for a side lacking attacking options.

The league leaders flaunt a defensive line which is arguably the meanest in the Super League. Bracigliano has been in sensational form and is expected to start as the man between the sticks. Midfielder Harmajot Khabra is again expected to slot in as a makeshift right-back and allow Bernard Mendy to dominate proceedings in the heart of defense alongside Jairo Suarez. Dhanachandra Singh is expected to retain his position in the squad and ply his trade as a left-back.

Missing the prolific Elano, Chennai are expected to field a three-man midfield comprising of former Manchester United player Eric Djemba-Dejmba, Denson Devadas and Pellisari. Maurice will be deployed as a central striker but he could drop deep and play as a creative midfielder, behind the attacking duo of Jeje and Balwant Singh. Both Jeje and Balwant Singh have been in good goal scoring form too.

Kerala Blasters probable XI vs Chennaiyin FC probable XI

Key Battles

Sandesh Jhingan vs Jeje

Both Sandesh Jhingan and Jeje have been in red hot form over the course of the Super League. While Jhingan has been a lynchpin for Kerala’s defense, Jeje has been a stalwart for Chennaiyin’s attack which often thrives on swift movements. A tactical battle with Jeje dropping either deep or wide is set to follow, with Jhigan tracking the Mizoram man all the way.

Penn Orji vs Djemba-Djemba

Midfield battles often decide the nature of games and have the power to sway things either side. Both Penn Orji and Djemba-Djemba have been key links for their respective sides. A physical battle infused with tackles is set to follow between these two tough players.

Predictions

Kerala Blasters are exepected to clinch this tie. Spells of Kerala domination could be witnessed in the match and Chennaiyin FC are expected to drop deep, defend their space and hit on counter attacks.

Kerala Blasters 2-1 Chennaiyin FC