After a dismal start to their title defence, Chennaiyin FC will be in the search of their first victory of the 2018-19 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season when they take to the pitch against NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Thursday. The Marina Machans are one of the only two clubs that have failed to register a point so far this season, while the Highlanders have bagged a total of four points, which is a good return considering their record over the previous years.

CHENNAIYIN FC

John Gregory would certainly not have expected to find his side in this kind of a situation, so early on in the season. The South Indian outfit have lost two consecutive games for the first time under the Englishman’s stewardship.

Last season’s heroes including Mailson Alves, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Anirudh Thapa have had substandard performances and need to rekindle their form for the betterment of the team. Carlos Salom could find a starting berth, owing to Jeje’s poor form in front of goal, while Gregory Nelson and Raphael Augusto will be held with the responsibility of supplying the much-needed creativity in the final third.

Dhanpal Ganesh’s absence in midfield seems to be a cause of concern for the squad, but Germanpreet Singh and Thapa will most likely retain their spots. At the back, Eli Sabia, Inigo Calderon and Alves will have to shore up the lines in order to avoid any leaks, with custodian Karanjit Singh expected to guard the fort.

Here’s a look at Chennaiyin’s season in numbers:

NORTHEAST UNITED

Eelco Schattorie’s appointment as head coach seems to have paid dividends for the Highlanders so far. Under his leadership, NorthEast have picked up one draw and a crucial away victory at ATK. Things are looking bright for the Dutchman, who has managed to instil in his side the much-needed motivation and desire, which they lacked last season.

Looking at their past record against Chennaiyin, the Highlanders will be fancying themselves to continue their splendid start to the season. Central to their form has been the performance of Rowllin Borges. The Indian midfielder has been the engine of this young side and even bagged his first Hero ISL goal against ATK.

Federico Gallego and Nikhil Kadam have put in good shifts for the side, supplying skipper Bartholomew Ogbeche upfront. In defence, Mislav Komorski and Mato Grgic have developed a good understanding and will aim at making life hard for the likes of Augusto and Nelson. The Highlanders, however, will miss the services of custodian TP Rehenesh who has been suspended by the AIFF disciplinary committee.

Here’s a look at NorthEast’s season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

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

NorthEast United: Pawan Kumar, Reagan Singh, Mislav Komorski, Mato Grgic, Robert Lalthlamuana, Jose Leudo, Rowllin Borges, Redeem Tlang, Federico Gallego, Nikhil Kadam, Bartholomew Ogbeche (C)

DID YOU KNOW?

• It’s against Chennaiyin that the Highlanders have scored the most number of goals.
• NorthEast have won more matches against Chennaiyin than any other side (four in total).
• Ogbeche, along with Kerala Blaster’s Matej Poplatnik, currently have the most number of shots among other strikers in the league.

FANSPEAK

Which midfielder will steer their team to glory on Thursday?

• Rowllin Borges
• Anirudh Thapa

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.