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It is time! The southern giants of Indian football, Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC, are set to lock horns in the final of the Indian Super League tonight at the Sree Kanteeveera stadium - the home of the Blues.
Both teams deserve to be at this stage after an impressive run so far in season 4. Bengaluru FC are unbeaten in their last 10 matches whereas the Super Machans have not tasted defeat in their last 7. The 2015 champions will look to make it two in three attempts and ultimately become the joint most successful team in ISL history with two league titles.
On that note, let's take a look at the five reasons why Chennaiyin FC will beat Bengaluru FC to ISL glory:
#5 Best defence in the league
Chennaiyin FC's current campaign has been based on their resolute defending. Though their attack has faltered to impress at times, their strong defence has been the talk of the town. The defence quartet of Henrique Sereno, Mailson Alves, Inigo Calderon and Jerry Lalrinzuala have delivered consistent performances, week in week out.
Goalkeeper Karanjit Singh has also been a revelation. Chennaiyin FC have kept eight clean sheets this season - the most by any team. If any team that can keep the high flying Bengaluru FC attack in check, it is John Gregory's team.
#4 Jeje's back in form
The Mizo striker looked jaded at the start of the season and was criticized for his lack of goals in the first month or so. But Jeje has bounced back well to lead the line for his side and be the top scorer for his team with nine goals.
The Indian international has peaked just when the doctor ordered and will arrive in the final on the back of a brace against FC Goa in the second leg of the semifinals. Bengaluru FC will be wary of the Jeje factor and have to keep the forward in check to avoid any damage.
#3 Chennaiyin FC have already tasted success at Bengaluru's home ground
In a nail-biting encounter back in December, the Super Machans beat their rivals in a 2-1 victory at the Sree Kanteeveera stadium. Jeje Lalpekhlua and Dhanpal Ganesh were the scorers on that night. To add to that, the Super Machans are also the only team to have scored two goals at the Kanteerava Stadium this season.
The Blues lost just two home games all season with Chennaiyin FC being one of the victors. This will give the away side much needed confidence to play freely and look to end Bengaluru's dream of winning the ISL in their debut season.
#2 Over-reliance on Miku and Sunil Chhetri
Going forward, goals have come from all corners for Chennaiyin FC. As many as 11 different scorers have registered their name on the scoresheet. Along with their attack and midfield, defence have also contributed with goals for Chennai this season.
Though Bengaluru FC have had 9 different scorers this campaign, not many have come from players apart from Chhetri and Miku. BFC have scored 37 goals this season, out of which a staggering 27 have been scored by the prolific duo upfront.
If Miku and Chhetri are kept quiet by the solid Chennaiyin FC, it is hard to see where the goals will come for the Blues.
#1 No home team has ever won an ISL final
Call it a curse or the pressure of a final in front of their own set of fans, teams have failed to win the last hurdle in their own backyard. This has happened twice so far in the history of the league.
Kerala Blasters lost to ATK in 2016 in front of a sea of their fans at Kochi. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC won their 2015 title against FC Goa at the Fatorda stadium. So there is a strong possibility that history will repeat itself and cause a return of the final curse for the home side.
