Chennaiyin Vs Hyderabad Preview: Marina Machans' chance to move up

Both sides go into the game with three points a must for progression in the league.

Chennaiyin FC take on Hyderabad FC in another crunch clash between the southern teams at GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Monday. 

Both teams are on the quest for three points which will keep them in the hunt for the playoffs. The clash on Monday night offers a great opportunity for either side to continue their push towards the top half of the table. 

The Stakes

The Marina Machans have endured another topsy-turvy season, where they have done everything but score frequently. Eventually, their results have also been inconsistent to say the least. 

While there is no lack of spark in the build-up, their end-product has often deserted them and has seen them lose positions of advantage in many games. But then again, Chennaiyin have always proved to be a team that can triumph against adversity. The game against Hyderabad FC is another opportunity for them to take a step in the right direction. 

The two-time ISL champions would be happy to have most of their stars back from injury, but now is the time for them to be at their cohesive best. Chennaiyin showed glimpses of their quality against ATK Mohun Bagan, but will look to back up their potential with results on the pitch. 

Hyderabad FC were one of the form teams in the early part of the league and showed their quality with wins over East Bengal and Odisha FC as well as draws against Bengaluru FC and ATKMB. 

But, the Nizams have been in freefall since then, losing three games on the spin and now seeing themselves in eighth place in the standings. Their last defeat against FC Goa would’ve particularly hurt the side led by Manolo Marquez, as they squandered a great opportunity against the Gaurs by letting in two goals in the final five minutes to end up on the losing side. 

A side with the creative quality of Chennaiyin FC would be a stiff test for Hyderabad, as the Nizams have let in 10 goals in eight games this season so far. Their defence would have to be at their best during the game defensively to keep the Marina Machans at bay. 

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Team News

Chennaiyin FC will be bolstered by the return of Isma from injury. The forward has been reported fit by Csaba Laszlo but the Romanian is exercising caution over his star striker aggravating his injury and hence seems to play the patience game regarding his return back to the fold.

But a huge blow for Chennaiyin FC would be the absence of their skipper Rafael Crivellaro who limped out of their game against ATK Mohun Bagan with a muscular injury. Laszlo announced that the Brazilian will out of action against Hyderabad FC.

Nikhil Poojary and Liston Colaco are doubtful for Hyderabad FC but with the foreigners returning from their injuries, Manolo Marquez will have options to fill the void left by the Indian duo.

Head-to-Head

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

The teams have faced each other twice so far. Chennaiyin FC emerged as victors in both games, including last season’s cliffhanger in Chennai, where the Marina Machans eked out a 2-1 win with both goals coming in stoppage-time. 

Probable Lineups

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

Hyderabad FC: Kattimani (GK), Rai, Onaindia, Chinglensana, Mishra,  Victor, Chakrabarti, Chianese, Yasir, Narzary, Santana. 

Man to Watch

Rahim Ali (Chennaiyin FC) 

Over the last few games, Rahim Ali has made himself an important part of the Marina Machans’ attack. The 20-year old has been impressive for the Marina Machans with his aggressive intent in attack and his penchant to find good areas to receive the ball in front of goal. 

In five games so far this season, Ali has taken an average of 1.6 shots/game which might not be a lot, but that added with his output of more than two tackles and interceptions/game shows that he is a player who can offer you the ability to press high up the pitch and unsettle the opposition. 

Csaba Laszlo has touted Rahim Ali to be one of the best players for the future in Indian football and the youngster seems well set on his way to becoming one, having already notched up two goals so far this season including the winner in the game against FC Goa.

Aridane Santana (Hyderabad FC) 

Aridane Santana finished last season as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the ISL, with nine goals and two assists in 14 games for Odisha FC. Having moved to Hyderabad with the tag of being a clinical finisher, the 33-year old has done his reputation no harm with five goals from seven games so far this season – his goals accounting for more than 70% of his side’s output. 

Santana matches his imposing physical characteristics with astute positioning through which he gets in the right spot more often than not. Aridane takes close to 3.5 shots/game and his heavy frame has also seen him put up 16 tackles and 8 blocks in seven games this season. 

His physicality and strength will prove to be a handful against the well-oiled Chennaiyin backline and his duels with the centre-backs will be an interesting battle to witness. 

 Did You Know?

• Hyderabad FC have received the least number of yellow cards this season so far (9).
• Lallianzuala Chhangte is a goal away from becoming the joint-second highest goalscorer in Chennaiyin FC’s history (Steven Mendoza is currently second with 17). 
• Chennaiyin have conceded the highest number of fouls in ISL history (1530).

Telecast

The match between Chennaiyin and Hyderabad will be live on Star Sports 1 & 1HD, Star Sports 2 & 2HD (ENGLISH), Star Sports Hindi 1 & 1HD, Star Sports 3 (HINDI) and several other regional languages. The match will also be available for live streaming on JioTV and Disney+Hotstar.

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