Chennai, Kerala battle for points and pride in southern derby

Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters FC renew hostilities in the second southern derby of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Friday. The Hero ISL 2015 champions are fresh from inflicting a first home defeat on Bengaluru FC and will be in a confident mood playing in front of home support. Meanwhile, two-time finalists Kerala secured their first win of the season against NorthEast United FC in their previous fixture. A crucial away win in an intense fixture should boost their hopes of finishing in the top four.

HEAD TO HEAD

Chennaiyin FC 4 – 2 Kerala Blasters FC (2 draws)

KEY PLAYERS

Raphael Augusto (Chennaiyin FC)

The midfielder has been instrumental in orchestrating the way Chennaiyin play this season. He has pulled the strings well from the middle of the park, splitting open opposition defence with his vision and passes. The Brazilian has also scored a couple of goals and has defensive attributes that sees him break down plenty of opposition attacks.

Courage Pekuson (Kerala Blasters FC)

The Ghanaian has been one of the most energetic players in the league so far. With immense pace and a lot of strength, Pekuson has given opposing defenders a tough time this campaign. His runs have pierced opposition defences on numerous occasions and he is capable of getting a few shots away after creating space for himself as well. An accurate passer of the ball, Pekuson will have a major role to play against a balanced Chennai side.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

Chennaiyin FC

John Gregory may go for a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation that would help the attack with support from the midfield and the wings.

Goalkeeper: Karanjit Singh

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

Midfielders: Dhanpal Ganesh, Bikramjit Singh, Gregory Nelson, Raphael Augusto, Francisco Fernandes

Forward: Jeje Lalpekhlua

Chennaiyin head coach on his team’s performance so far: “I am delighted with the way we have gone about our season. I am delighted with the way my players have worked extremely hard both on the training ground and in the matches. We are just looking forward to Kerala.”

Kerala Blasters FC

Rene Meulensteen will probably stick to his 4-1-4-1 formation that brought him success in Kerala’s last match.

Goalkeeper: Paul Rachubka

Defenders: Lalruatthara, Nemanja Lakic-Pesic, Sandesh Jhingan, Rino Anto

Midfielders: Wes Brown, Courage Pekuson, Siam Hanghal, CK Vineeth, Jackichand Singh

Forward: Mark Sifneos

Blasters gaffer on assimilating his opponents and his team so far: “Chennai is a really good outfit, and the manager has got them playing through their strengths. They have some top players and they are there for a reason. We have sort of stumbled into the season, trying to find our way, so it is going to be a good game for sure.”

KEY STAT