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Chennaiyin FC are ready to host Kerala Blasters FC in the 2nd South Indian derby of ISL 2017. Chennaiyin FC have won the bragging rights in the first southern derby against Bengaluru FC. Historically, Chennaiyin FC have the upper hand over the Yellow Army and have defeated them 4 times in comparison to just two wins for KBFC, while two games ended up in a draw.
Chennaiyin FC are coming into this game at the back of an away win against Bengaluru and they were the first team to defeat the Blues at their home. Chennaiyin FC will be eyeing the top spot in the ISL 2017 points table and a win or even draw will be enough for them to claim it.
On the other side, Kerala Blasters have won their previous game against NorthEast United FC, their first win of Hero ISL 2017. They will surely look to continue the winning momentum and take home all 3 points against their local rivals Chennaiyin FC.
Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC are currently third in ISL 2017 league standings with 4 wins from 6 games and will look to continue in a similar way. Their head coach John Gregory believes that despite not playing free-scoring football, Kerala are one of the strongest teams to beat this season. He is quite confident about his boys, but expecting a tough game tomorrow.
With no injury concerns to the side, the Englishman is likely to include Gregory Nelson in place of Jude Nworuh in the starting XI. He is going to field his side in his favoured 4-4-1-1 formation to dominate the possession in midfield. Former Kerala Blasters striker Rafi could also make an early appearance in the game as a substitute.
Chennaiyin FC Probable Starting XI: Karanjit, Claderon, Sereno, Mailson, Jerry, Bikramjit, Dhanpal, Francisco, Augusto, Nelson, Jeje.
Kerala Blasters FC
After their first win, Kerala Blasters head coach Rene Meulentseen seems to be impressed with the progress of the side game by game. He is expecting the team to create more chances upfront now onwards. The Dutch coach is quite aware of the strengths of his opponents and is expecting an exciting encounter tonight.
With Berbatov recovering from injury, we are not expecting Iain Hume, Arata Izumi to be back in the side in place of Mark Sifneos and Siam Hanghal. He will like to take more protection at the back by fielding his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation tonight.
Kerala Blasters FC Probable Starting XI: Paul, Anto, Jhingan, Pesic, Lalrutthara, Wes Brown, Izumi, Pekuson, Vineeth, Jackichang, Hume.
Prediction
Chennaiyin FC 0-2 Kerala Blasters FC
It is going to be very difficult for Chennaiyin FC to break the strong Kerala defence tonight. We are expecting Kerala Blasters to take home all 3 points along with the bragging rights in the 2nd southern derby of ISL 2017.
