Chennaiyin FC will play host to Bangladeshi side Abahani Dhaka in the third group stage match of the AFC Cup 2019 on Tuesday, April 30. The match will be Chennaiyin's final home fixture of the group stage of the tournament, which they have been playing at The Arena by Transstadia in Ahmedabad.

Currently at the top of Group E with four points from two matches, a win in the match over second-placed Abahani, who trail Chennaiyin just on goal difference, will go a long way in solidifying their spot at the summit and take them to the threshold of qualification to the next stage.

John Gregory's charges have been in fine form post their disappointing Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 season, and are currently unbeaten in their AFC Cup campaign. They looked particularly good in their last match against Manang Marshyangdi and won it 2-0 after thoroughly controlling the tie. Mailson Alves and Christopher Herd registered their names on the score sheet. Chennaiyin's defence and midfield, in particular, have been in terrific touch. Mailson and Eli Sabia's partnership at the back has looked rock-solid, aided by the double-cover provided by Herd and Dhanpal Ganesh in midfield. The solidity at the back has given the likes of Anirudh Thapa and Raphael Augusto the freedom to work their magic in the opposition third. The former has been the standout player for Chennaiyin of late and may have a major say in the final outcome on Tuesday.

A day prior to the match, Chennaiyin head coach John Gregory shared his thoughts about the preparations for the all-important tie and said, "It feels like a long time since we played. It can be a challenge to maintain focus and motivation. But credit to the boys, they have been focused and their work rate has been fantastic. We finish a training session and the boys still want to do more. That's something really commendable about this bunch. They are all very good professionals. I hope they can take all their hard work and preparation into the match tomorrow and get the best possible result out of it."

Pushed for a comment on the team's much-improved defence of late, Gregory stated, "We've been very good defensively. It's down to the boys themselves, they've been focused and resolute. A special mention to Mailson Alves and Eli Sabia who have done incredibly well. Jerry Lalrinzuala has made a very good comeback from injury. And Laldinliana Renthlei at right-back is also improving game by game. But it isn't just about the defence. All of them defend from the front. It really is a team effort."

Striker Mohammed Rafi, who accompanied Gregory to the briefing, stressed the importance of a positive result and said, "We are 100% focused for the game tomorrow. We have been practising really hard and it's all going really well. Only a win will do for us, and nothing else."

Kick-off time: 6:30 PM, 30th April

Venue: The Arena Stadium, Ahmedabad

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Chennaiyin FC 2018-2019