ISL 2018-19: Chennaiyin FC vs Bengaluru FC | Match Preview, Predictions, Live Streaming & Where to watch details
It's again the tale of a 'seasonal minnow' facing the beasts as Bengaluru FC visits the current champions Chennaiyin FC in a repeat of the previous ISL final, but with lesser excitement.
Things are never the same for Chennaiyin FC as the Southern rivals lock horns at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Chennaiyin FC has been going through their hardest times in the league, this season. After tasting a bitter result of the over-confidence in the pre-season, the management has done the minute alterations in the winter transfer window.
Though not enough to save the season, the Marina Machans might get back to their routine ways any time in the future. Chennaiyin FC is at the bottom of the ISL points table with five points from one win.
Bengaluru FC too has some change in fortunes after the long break. The team lost its first game this year, to Mumbai City FC and later had to settle for a hard draw against the struggling Kerala Blasters FC.
Both these results would be arousing worries in the Blues' camp, which was otherwise full of wins and points this season.
The injury of Venezuelan striker Miku, who has now recovered, had affected the team badly. But still, Bengaluru FC remains at the top of the table with 31 points from 14 games.
ALSO SEE: ISL Standings | ISL Schedule | ISL Results
Chennaiyin FC vs Bengaluru FC: Match Information
Date: 9 February 2019
Kickoff: 7:30 PM IST
Live Stream: Star Sports Network and Hotstar
Live commentary: Chennaiyin FC vs Bengaluru FC Live Score | Commentary and Updates
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai
Chennaiyin FC vs Bengaluru FC: Team News
Chennaiyin FC
Mailson Alves is serving a three-match suspension and will not be playing the match.
Bengaluru FC
Bengaluru FC does not have any injuries or suspesions and Miku is expected to make it to the starting lineup.
Chennaiyin FC vs Bengaluru FC: Probable Lineups
Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1): Karanjit Singh, Laldinliana Renthlei, Zohmingliana Ralte, Eli Sabia, Tondonba Singh, Christopher Herd, Anirudh Thapa, Gregory Nelson, Raphel Augusto, Jeje Lalpekhlua, CK Vineeth
Bengaluru FC (4- 3-2-1): Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Nishu Kumar, Albert Serran, Juanan, Rahul Bheke, Harmanjot Khabra, Erik Paartalu, Dimas Delgado, Udanta Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Miku
Chennaiyin FC vs Bengaluru FC: Form Guide
Chennaiyin FC: L-L-L-L-L
Bengaluru FC: D-W-L-W-D
Chennaiyin FC vs Bengaluru FC: Head-to-Head
Chennaiyin FC: 2
Bengaluru FC: 2
Draw: 0
Chennaiyin FC vs Bengaluru FC: Key Players
Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC has a new ray of hope on the new signing CK Vineeth. Vineeth has already opened the scoring for the Chennai outfit and would be hoping to continue the same.
At a time when first striker Jeje Lalpekhlua is out-of-form, the Kerala forward would become a vital part of the team's plans.
Bengaluru FC
One perfect solution for Bengaluru's recent troubled would be the comeback of striker Miku. The 33-year old who came from the bench in the second half against Kerala Blasters FC is known to have fully recovered and is expected to make it to the starting lineup. The player has three goals and two assists to his name this season.
Chennaiyin FC vs Bengaluru FC: Predictions
Bengaluru FC hasn't had the best of the time on the field recently. However, Chennaiyin FC is going through an even worse period.
With a single win this whole season and lack of confidence, John Gregory's team might not be able to surpass the challenge from Bengaluru. It might be BFC's comeback to the cool winning days.
Predicted Score - Chennaiyin FC 0-2 Bengaluru FC