Mumbai City FC host Chennaiyin FC in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday. The Islanders have won just one of their four fixtures so far, and will be desperate to bag three points at home coming off the back of a hard-fought draw in Kerala. Meanwhile, Chennai will be high on confidence following a thrilling victory over defending champions ATK, which was also their third win on the trot.

Head to head

Mumbai City FC 1 – 4 Chennaiyin FC (1 draw)

KEY PLAYERS

Gerson Vieira (Mumbai City FC)

The Brazilian has been deployed to good effect in midfield frequently, where he keeps the opponents in check while also carrying forward numerous attacks. Not shy to take shots either, he has gone on to become one of the most versatile players in the league. The 25-year-old will be a key figure when Mumbai host Chennai.

Jeje Lalpekhlua (Chennaiyin FC)

The Mizo sniper finally opened his account in Chennai’s previous fixture against ATK, where his brace helped the southerners to their first league-phase victory over the defending champions in league history. Strong and clinical with a goal-poacher’s instinct, Lalpekhlua will look to influence his side to their fourth consecutive victory.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

Mumbai City FC

Alexandre Guimaraes is likely to stick to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, giving plenty of leeway and edge to the attack.

Goalkeeper: Amrinder Singh

Defenders: Raju Gaikwad, Lucian Goian, Gerson Vieira, Aiborlang Khongjee

Midfielders: Leo Costa, Sehnaj Singh, Abinash Ruidas, Everton Santos, Achille Emana,

Forward: Balwant Singh

Mumbai’s captain Lucian Goian on the home fans and the opponents: “Playing at home, we have the fans behind us who have been fantastic every time. We hope that their support will make it easier for us, though it won’t be an easy game. Chennaiyin are coming off the back of three wins, but we are playing at home and we are ready. We have had some good training sessions, and we hope we can get the three points.”

Chennaiyin FC

Chennai may begin with a 4-5-1 formation as preferred by head coach John Gregory. It allows him to use the flanks well and have Lalpekhlua at the tip of his attack.

Goalkeeper: Karanjit Singh

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

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

Forward: Jeje Lalpekhlua

The Englishman on his opponents of the night: “There are no easy games, and I am very excited for the game against Mumbai tomorrow night. I just saw the pitch, and I must say, I like the stadium. It is very compact, and I am sure that the fans who will be here will create a good atmosphere.”

KEY STATS

• In the six fixtures played against Mumbai City so far, Chennaiyin have scored 14 goals against them, while conceding only four times
• Mumbai’s only victory against Chennai came in the last fixture between the two

LAST ENCOUNTER

Mumbai City FC 2 – 0 Chennaiyin FC (23^rd November 2016 at the Mumbai Football Arena)