League leaders Mumbai host desperate Chennai

The defending champions need a win to keep their playoffs hopes alive…

Mumbai City FC will be looking to extend the lead at the top of the table when they take on Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League at Mumbai Football Arena on Wednesday. A draw at home will be enough for Mumbai to assure their place in the playoffs. But, head coach Alexandre Guimarães will be looking for all three points against the team from the South. While last year’s champions are in real trouble as they currently stand 6th in the league with just 14 points. To keep their playoffs hopes alive a win in the metro city is must for Chennaiyin. Team News For the hosts, midfielder Leo Costa remains the only doubt after having missed the last few games with a knock. The rest of the squad are fit available for selection. Maurizio Peluso is the only player ruled out for Chennai while forward Jeje Lalpekglua is expected to retain his place upfront. Head to Head The previous meeting between both the sides ended in a 1-1 draw in Chennai. But as far as head-to- head is concerned Chennaiyin have the upper hand over Mumbai, as the club from the metropolis are yet to beat the defending champions in the ISL. Man to Watch Diego Forlán –Mumbai City FC: The Uruguay forward scored the first hat-trick of ISL season 3 in the win over Kerala Blastters.The former Inter Milan striker has played an excellent role with the metro city club by scoring 5 goals and helping in almost every team goal. With his performances in the league so far, he has shown the actual role of a marquee player. With his ability to surprise opponents with a quick run into the box and shoot from distance, the striker will be the man to watch in the match. Davide Succi - Chennaiyin FC: The Italian striker has been the forward of choice for the boss Marco Materazzi, as he has been preferred to start extensively over Indian star Jeje Lalpekhlua. The frontman who is both, good with the ball at his feet and in the air has somewhat rewarded the manager’sfaith by scoring the equalizing goal against Atletico de Kolkata to salvage a point from their last outing. He will once again play the key role if they are to trounce high-flying Mumbai who sit the top of the table. Probable Line-ups Mumbai City FC: (4-4-1-1) Amrinder, Vieira, Ali, Goian, Ralte, Defederico, Vadócz, Senaj, Alves, Chhetri, Forlán Chennaiyin FC: (4-1-2-3) Karanjit, Wadoo, Sabiá, Mendy, Lalrinzuala, Blasi, Mulder, Mundampara, Augusto, Succi, Jeje Broadcast: The match will be telecast live on Star Sports 2, Start Sports HD 2, Star Sports 1, Start Sports HD1, Star Gold, Star Gold HD, Jalsha Movies, Jalsha Movies HD and HOTSTAR. You can also follow khelnow’s live text commentary of the game on khelnow.com Photo © ISL Media