ISL Finals: Bengaluru FC vs Chennaiyin FC Match Preview, Facts and prediction
Bengaluru FC will be hosting Chennaiyin FC at Free Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday with the silverware at stake.
Bengaluru FC, debutants of ISL, having their dream run and are unbeaten for 10 matches in ISL. Having won any of I League and Federation Cup in previous 4 seasons, they are on the verge of creating history by winning ISL in the debut season.
On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC are in finals after defeating FC Goa in semifinal-2. Chennai based franchise will be hoping to ride on their experience of winning the title in the 2nd season of ISL.
Bengaluru FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Kickoff information
Date: 17th March
Venue: Sree Kanteerva Stadium
Kickoff time: 20:00(IST)
Team News
Bengaluru FC
Albert Roca made wholesale changes against Abahani Dhaka in their Asian AFC Cup. Gurpreet Singh will be replacing Lalthuwammia Ralte in goal for Blues.
In defense, Rahul Bheke along with John Johnson and Juan Gonzalez is expected to form a rock solid. Subhashish Bose has accumulated 2 yellow cards in 2 games and is suspended for this fixture. Nishu will be replacing Bose as left back against Chennai.
Sunil Chettri, Miku, and Udanta Singh are expected to form the attacking trio for the Men in Blues.
Formation: 4-3-3
Bengaluru FC probable XI:
Gurpreet Singh (GK)|| Rahul Bheke, Juanan, John Johnson, Nishu Kumar || Dimas Delgado, Erik Paartalu, Lenny|| Sunil Chhetri(C), Miku Fedor, Udanta Singh
Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC are entering finals after a fine 3-0 (4-1 aggregate) win over FC Goa in the semifinals.John Gregory, Chennai based franchise manager, is likely to go with the likes of Henrique Sereno and Mailson Alves in defense along with Jerry Lalrinzuala (left-back) and Inigo Martinez (right-back).
Jeje Lalphekhlua had a poor run until they faced FC Goa. After netting 2 goals against FC Goa in semis, he proved he is a big match player. Chennaiyin's all hopes of winning the title depend on him.
Chennaiyin FC have no injury concerns and most probably their will no changes in the squad. Chennaiyin FC is expected to field their strong first team with the formation as much as like the previous match.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Chennaiyin FC Probable Starting XI:
Karanjit(GK); Martinez, Mailson Alves, Henrique Sereno, Jerry; Dhanpal Ganesh, Anirudh; Thoi Singh, Raphael Augusto, Gregory Nelson, Jeje.
Head to Head Stats
Matches played:2
Bengaluru win:1
Chennaiyin FC wins:1
Prediction
A southern derby for the second time in ISL finals. Bengaluru FC are in fine form and are unbeaten in their last 12 games(all competitions). Chennaiyin FC are in fine form after their win against FC Goa. An interesting fixture to watch for. Bengaluru have a lot of fire power in attack and a rock solid defence. And BFC in home is a tough nut to crack.
Score
Bengaluru FC 2-1 Chennaiyin FC