ISL 2015: Chennaiyin FC v Kerala Blasters - Preview, Live stream & TV channel info, Team News, Prediction
In a game that would see its loser virtually eliminated from playoff contention, Chennaiyin FC take on Kerala Blasters in match 43 of this season’s Indian Super League. Kerala come into the game buoyed by a 4-1 success in Guwahati against NorthEast United while Chennaiyin are struggling after three straight losses.
Chennaiyin coach Marco Materazzi was unconcerned by the losses as he said he saw enough positives in the game against Kolkata to keep him happy. His Kerala counterpart Terry Phelan was rather more reserved saying that if his side played with the confidence they have shown in recent games they should be in good health.
Rains in Chennai have been a concern, but as both managers put it, the pitch was in good condition for the match to go on. However, like the last game in Chennai, the threat of thunderstorms looms large.
Kickoff and Live Telecast
Date and Time: Saturday, 21 Â?November 2015 – 19:00 IST
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai
Channel: Star Sports 2 and 3, Star Sports HD 2 and HD 3
Live Stream: starsports.com
Team News
Chennaiyin FC: Materazzi is boosted by the return to fitness of Jayesh Rane. The young Indian winger did very well in the early part of the tournament before he was hit by an ankle injury. Fikru Teferra played the whole 90 minutes in the 2-1 loss against Atletico de Kolkata, and Materazzi confirmed that it was not due to any injury to Stiven Mendoza. The Colombian did not play any part in that game and, as Materazzi asserted, he is available for selection.
The defensive areas have been a concern for Chennaiyin. In no two consecutive games have they fielded the same back four. Bernard Mendy could replace Alessandro Potenza to start alongside Mailson Alves at the heart of the Chennaiyin defence.
Raphael Augusto and Thoi Singh have been impressive in midfield and alongside Elano and Harmanjot Khabra they will be the fulcrum of the Chennaiyin side.
Kerala Blasters: Kerala are riding high on confidence, especially after the 4-1 thrashing handed out to NorthEast United. Chris Dagnall and Antonio German have been in fabulous form. In the last game, Cavin Lobo also put in a strong performance. Kerala look a more settled unit under Phelan. As their assistant coach Trevor Morgan said, the switch from a back three to a back four has helped free up Kerala’s attackers to express themselves.
Josu will be crucial to Kerala’s prospects as he is the man who will pull the strings in midfield. Mehtab Hossain has quietly gone about his job and been very effective in shielding his back four, which will be led by the impressive Peter Ramage and Sandesh Jhingan.
Probable Lineups
Chennaiyin FC: Edel Bete, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Bernard Mendy, Mailson Alves, Dhanachandra Singh, Raphael Augusto, Harmanjot Khabra, Thoi Singh, Elano, Jayesh Rane, John Stiven Mendoza
Kerala Blasters: Stephen Bywater, Rahul Bheke, Peter Ramage, Sandesh Jhingan, Saumik Dey, Mehtab Hossain, Josu, Cavin Lobo, Pulga, Antonio German, Chris Dagnall
Key Battles
Stiven Mendoza v Peter Ramage
The Kerala captain has been impregnable at the back and has been among the best defenders in the league. In this game, he will have to contend with the most dangerous attacker in the league.
Mendoza’s combination of trickery and pace is not the easiest to deal with and Ramage will have to call upon his wealth of experience to ensure that Mendoza does not do any damage to Kerala. On the other hand, Chennaiyin will be desperate for their star man to step it up on what will be a big day for both clubs.
Raphael Augusto v Josu
Raphael has been Chennaiyin’s best midfielder this season. Pace, power and a very good passing range, he has all the attributes needed for a central midfielder. The little man from Barcelona, Josu has been instrumental in setting off Kerala’s forward moves and he will once again be expected to perform his playmaking duties. Both Augusto and Josu need to be ably backed by their teammates. So, it is imperative that the likes of Harmanjot Khabra for Chennaiyin and Dagnall for Kerala are up to the game.
Prediction
It is, in many ways, do-or-die for both these teams. And as Phelan acknowledged, there will be nerves initially as the players settle into the game. Therefore, it will not be unreasonable to expect a tight, cagey game where both teams focus on not conceding rather than scoring themselves.
Predicted score: Chennaiyin FC 0-1 Kerala Blasters