Match Preview 18th NovThe thrill of the Hero ISL is at an all time high as we dive in to the second leg of the tournament. While the action heats up in the top four of the table, coach Franco Colomba has very few concerns.We are halfway through the tournament and the team does look in a really good shape to challenge for the title. The effective combinations of Dudu-Davide Colomba and Gurung-Kostas working the long runs and the spaces behind defenders has put a new spin on our attack. But on the away run against Chennaiyin FC, a lot will depend on the shoulders of the defence. Bruno Cirillo and Danielle Magliochetti have shown a brilliant understanding. Magliochetti and Ravanan in particular were quite impressive in the previous match against Chennaiyin FC where they man marked Elano to perfection. But as was clear in that match, Stiven Mendoza will have to be restricted from finding the spaces in the final third.Dudu Omagbemi and Ivan Bolado started upfront for us in a 4-4-2 formation last time. It produced immediate results as we not only were on the offensive from the first minute, Kostas Katsouranis scored a peach of a goal in the 8th minute! It will be interesting to see if Coach Colomba reverts to a 4-1-4-1 on Chennaiyin’s home turf- like he did in the away fixture against North East United. In a league with neck to neck competition, a point away from home against the second placed side, is not a bad result.A word here about Arindam Bhattacharya. Against a potent attacking team, who better than the top Golden Glove contender to guard the goal? Arindam Bhattacharya has been in a great form in the tournament. With a remarkable 200 minutes per goal average, he has shown a wide range of skills- from close saves, pawing off the long rangers and even racing outside his line to deny the forwards. If our defence keeps up the good work like it has, it might be another tough night for the Chennaiyin FC forwards!It’s a big game on the cards, with many individuals capable of changing the game at the blink of an eye. With FC Pune City determined as ever to reach the top of the table with an away win and Chennaiyin FC playing with the home support- the signs are clear. Sit back and cheer as the action unfolds, it’s a blockbuster headed your way!
