Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18’s table-toppers Bengaluru FC take on the champions of 2015, Chennaiyin FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. The Blues have been one of the best teams in the league, having won all but one of their fixtures so far. They will be looking to win their third match in a row, and in a major boost, will once again have the services of India’s number one custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, after he served out his two-match suspension. Chennai, meanwhile, have also got their campaign off to a good start, winning three out of their five matches so far. They, however, come off the back of a 1-0 setback against Mumbai City FC, in a match where they dominated but were left with nothing to show for it. Visiting a place that is known to be Bengaluru’s fortress, where the Blues are yet to be beaten, will not be easy for Chennai.

KEY PLAYERS

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

The legendary skipper of the Blues needs no introduction, and this season he has once more done a superb job of leading his team from the front. Chhetri has been in good form, striking an excellent partnership with Miku in attack, and has bagged two goals and an assist. He has kept opposing defenders on their toes and will be a key figure against Chennai.

Gregory Nelson (Chennaiyin FC)

The Dutchman has been a livewire when Chennaiyin are on the attack. He has used the flanks to good effect, initiating attacks and counter-attacks in abundance, while also managing a fair few shots. Nelson only came on as a substitute for the last 10 minutes in his team’s defeat to the Islanders, and Chennaiyin clearly missed his presence in the frontline. Against a formidable Bengaluru defence, he will look to give more edge to Chennai’s frontline.

POTENTIAL LINEUPS

Bengaluru FC

Albert Roca will most likely line his team up in the 4-2-3-1 formation that offers plenty of options in the middle and the wings.

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Defenders: Subhasish Bose, Juanan, John Johnson, Rahul Bheke

Midfielders: Erik Paartalu, Harmanjot Khabra, Edu Garcia, Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh

Forward: Miku

Bengaluru’s head coach on their opponents of the night: “I expect a very tough game, because they have shown that they are very competitive. Against Kolkata, they have shown that they have very good players. They are also very good in set pieces. They have a very good defence and it will be very difficult for us. Also in attack they have Jeje (Lalpekhlua). They have a good balance.”

Chennaiyin FC

John Gregory will probably prefer to counter with his own 4-2-3-1 formation, keeping in check the opposition attackers, while also getting forward themselves.

Goalkeeper: Karanjit Singh

Defenders: Jerry Lalrinzuala, Mailson Alves, Henrique Sereno, Inigo Calderon

Midfielders: Gregory Nelson, Thoi Singh, Dhanpal Ganesh, Raphael Augusto, Anirudh Thapa

Forward: Jeje Lalpekhlua

Chennai’s head coach on his opponent’s style of play: “I have seen Bengaluru play on numerous occasions this season and they like to play a high-pressing game and they like to keep possession. I think Albert (Roca) has built a team where every outfield player is comfortable in possession of the ball. From that point of view, we need to be able to expect that kind of match from Bengaluru tomorrow.”

KEY STAT

• With Chhetri and Jeje both on the pitch, we will witness Hero ISL’s all-time leading domestic goal-scorers squaring off against each other