Irrespective their unflattering positions in the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 table, Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters FC will undoubtedly put up a feisty show for the fans when they take to the pitch at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Friday. Over the course of the past five years, clashes between the two South Indian rivals have always been intense and entertaining. The reverse fixture earlier in the season at Chennai ended in a goalless stalemate but had some fantastic football on offer.

At the pre-match press conference, head coach of Chennaiyin FC, John Gregory spoke about what to expect from the encounter. The Englishman began by talking about the team’s main priorities going forward and said, "We have set our focus on the AFC Cup and the Hero Super Cup. We played with only four foreigners against the league leaders and beat them. It is good preparation for our AFC Cup campaign. It was a kind of a trial run that worked well against Bengaluru. We continue to be motivated, without a doubt. We want to take nine points from our remaining three Hero ISL matches. And hopefully, we will finish in a position better than where we are right now."

Talking about the prospect of facing rivals Kerala, Gregory said, "We have a chance to catch up with Kerala. So definitely there is a lot to play for and look forward to. We will continue to work as hard as we can. The players will be playing for pride and their futures. It was seen clearly that they were highly motivated against Bengaluru."

He also reminisced about his first visit to Kerala last year and the impact the home fans had. "We came here last year and went back with a point. Kerala had a chance then to qualify for the play-offs with a win. It was my first experience of seeing the Kerala support, and it was brilliant. It gave them a huge advantage," he said.

CK Vineeth and Halicharan Narzary made the switch from Kerala to Chennai during the winter transfer window and Gregory has been pleased with how the duo has adjusted to the squad. "Our new boys Vineeth and Halicharan Narzary have fitted in and settled in very quickly at Chennaiyin. CK scored in his first home game for us and set up a goal against Bengaluru. He is a goal scorer with great ability. He has settled in very quickly with us, as I said. He will be playing tomorrow night and will be determined to do well. We also have Mailson Alves back available after suspension. We are delighted to have him back. And all the boys are fit and raring to go tomorrow against Kerala Blasters," he revealed.

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