Chennaiyin Vs Bengaluru Preview: Southern rivals vie for three points

A cracking game is sure to ensue at the Bambolim Stadium as both sides are unbeaten in their respective opening games of the season.

Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC are set to lock horns in a pulsating derby clash, which is sure to set fireworks at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Friday. Both teams are coming off tame 0-0 draws in their previous games and will be looking to get three points on the night.

Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC are separated by only two points in the table. A win would put the Marina Machans further ahead of the pack, while three points for the Blues would take them over their rivals in the standings. Hence, it gives added spice to an already competitive clash between two strong setups.

The Stakes

The Marina Machans started strong with a win against Jamshedpur FC, with goals from Anirudh Thapa and Isma. Their domination across the park helped them ease to the win, despite the scoreline probably suggesting otherwise.

While they kept a clean-sheet in the last game against Kerala Blasters, Jakub Sylvestr missed a second half penalty in a 0-0 stalemate, a result that the two-time champions would see as two points dropped. They now sit with four points in two games and the match against Bengaluru would be the first big test of the ISL season for Csaba Laszlo and his men. A win though would be a shot in the arm for Chennaiyin FC in their quest to get an early lead in the playoffs race.

On the other hand, Bengaluru have started the season with two draws and are yet to hit their best form in keeping with their lofty standards. In their game against Goa, they squandered a two-goal lead and then went on the back foot with a meager 33% possession. In the match against Hyderabad, they were again second-best in terms of possession and had no shots on target.

If there is a team capable of getting out of this rut, it is Bengaluru FC and their lethal attack will be looking to get back on scoring terms. They would look to start peaking sooner rather than later and a win against their rivals would give them the impetus that their campaign needs.

Team News

Csaba Laszlo fielded an unchanged lineup from the first game and would be looking to continue the same having seen a positive start from his side to the season. In the game against Kerala, Chhuantea Fanai limped off in the first half and was replaced by Jerry Lalrinzuala. The substitute is expected to start this one.

Although they haven't had the best of starts, Cuadrat has also stuck with the same XI in his first two games and would be expected to continue with it for the third consecutive time. Dimas Delgado will once again be expected to deliver the goods off the bench.

Head-to-Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5Qjvo-EYOY

Both teams have featured against each other seven times, with either side having won thrice and one game being drawn. The biggest win in this fixture is the 3-0 home win by Bengaluru FC last season.

Probable Lineups

Chennaiyin FC: Kaith (GK), Sipovic, Sabia, Reagan, Jerry, Tangri, Thapa, Crivellaro (C), Chhangte, Sylvestr, Isma.

Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet (GK), Gonzalez, Khabra, Juanan, Paartalu, Wangjam, Ashique, Udanta, Opseth, Cleiton, Chhetri (C).

Man to Watch

Deepak Tangri

In his post-match interaction after the match against Kerala Blasters, Csaba Laszlo heaped great praise on Deepak Tangri stating him to be the best player of his side in the first two games. Evidence to the fact, the 21-year-old has performed admirably. In the two games so far, Tangri has posted outstanding numbers of 15 tackles, four interceptions and eight tackles in all.

ALSO READ: Csaba Laszlo: I want more Deepak Tangris in my team

His performances have added stability and improved the sturdiness in the Chennaiyin team. Despite their initial struggles, one would expect Bengaluru FC to come hard at Chennaiyin and look to make a statement. Hence, if the Marina Machans are to stave off the attacks from Sunil Chhetri and Co. then it would require another stellar performance from Deepak Tangri.

Cleiton Silva

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNBsnGao4fM

Cleiton Silva has proved to be a handful for defenders in the first two games, with his efficient runs and work-rate. The 33-year-old scored Bengaluru's first goal of the ISL season and is sure to benefit from more game-time. Playing on the right, he combines well with Udanta Singh and could prove to be a challenge for Chennaiyin's left-back Jerry Lalrinzuala.

Bengaluru FC have had only three shots on target this season, out of which Silva has one – his goal in the first game against FC Goa. His clinical finishing in attack combined with his work-rate could prove to be useful, if Bengaluru can pick up their attacking quality to the levels that are associated with them. Cleiton Silva could be crucial to their fortunes in that respect.

Did You Know?

• Bengaluru FC became the sixth ISL side to score 100 goals in the ISL. They have scored more goals in the ISL in three seasons than NorthEast United, who have been playing since the inaugural campaign.
• Lallianzuala Chhangte tops the list for most number of goals by an U-23 player in the ISL (15)
• Bengaluru FC have taken the least number of shots this season (12).

Telecast

The match will be telecast live on Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD (English), Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3 and several other regional languages. Live streaming of the match will be available on Hotstar and Jio TV.