Saturday will witness two clubs rekindle a fierce rivalry, which dates back to the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2015 final, when they take to the pitch at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. Encounters between Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa have always left the crowd on the edge of their seats with pulsating action, controversial incidents and nail-biting finishes. This season’s first tie between the pair promises to be quite a blockbuster, as both sides will be on the lookout for their first victory of the new season.

CHENNAIYIN FC

The reigning champions did not begin their title defence on a bright note, as they went down 1-0 to Bengaluru FC on Sunday. A case of substandard performances from some of their star performers proved to be their downfall, as Bengaluru ran out as deserving winners.

John Gregory will be hoping that his men step up to the plate, especially in front of their passionate home fans. Chennaiyin will be bolstered by the fact that they possess one of the best records at home in the league, but Jeje Lalpekhlua and Raphael Augusto will need to impose themselves more on the pitch to affect the play going forward.

Anirudh Thapa could be named in the starting lineup alongside Gregory Nelson and Germanpreet Singh, to ensure the midfield contains more composure. Captain Mailson Alves did pick up a knock in the first match, but is expected to retain his spot, forming the defensive core with Inigo Calderon and Eli Sabia at the back.

Here's their Hero ISL 2018-19 season in numbers:

FC GOA

Looking at their performance against NorthEast United FC on Monday, it seemed like the Gaurs haven’t learnt from last season’s mistakes. They looked threatening in attack, but were disoriented in defence, affording their opponents’ numerous chances to snatch away two goals and level proceedings.

Coming into their clash against Chennaiyin, Sergio Lobera’s men cannot afford to rely solely on their goal-scoring prowess. Mourtada Fall and Carlos Pena will be responsible for marshalling the defence. However, which goalkeeper would be named in the starting lineup remains to be seen.

Edu Bedia could also make his return to the centre of midfield after a suspension. Jackichand Singh and Hugo Boumous were impressive against the Highlanders and will be the chief providers for the mercurial Ferran Corominas upfront, who seems to have continued from where he had left last season.

Here's their Hero ISL 2018-19 season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

Chennaiyin FC: Karanjit Singh (GK), Inigo Calderon, Eli Sabia, Mailson Alves (C), Jerry Lalrinzuala, Germanpreet Singh, Raphael Augusto, Francisco Fernandes, Anirudh Thapa, Gregory Nelson, Jeje Lalpekhlua

FC Goa: Laxmikant Kattimani (GK), Seriton Fernandes, Mourtada Fall, Chinglensana Singh, Carlos Pena, Edu Bedia, Lenny Rodrigues, Jackichand Singh, Hugo Boumous, Mandar Rao Dessai (C), Ferran Corominas

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The Chennaiyin home stadium has witnessed 63 goals scored over the seasons. Only the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa has seen more goals scored (64).
  • Three out of FC Goa’s four wins over Chennaiyin have come in Chennai. In all the three wins, the Gaurs have gone on to score two or more goals in the match.
  • Ferran Corominas has scored 20 goals in 21 matches. He is now the fourth player to score 20 or more goals in Hero ISL, after Sunil Chhetri (21), Jeje (22) and Iain Hume (28).

FANSPEAK

Which team will register their first victory of the season?

  • Chennaiyin FC
  • FC Goa

Have your say in the comments section below.

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV from 7:30 PM.