The Hero Indian Super League is all set to throw up another truly engaging battle when fourth placed Mumbai City FC take on the table toppers Chennaiyin FC at the D Y Patil Sports Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Coming off the back of a convincing performance against FC Pune City, a confident Chennai will look to extend their dominance against the hosts who have one of the strongest defences in the league.A big win for Mumbai could see them move into third spot. Although a clean sheet in their last five games has pleased head coach Peter Reid, a lack of goals will most certainly worry the English gaffer. The hosts have failed to open their account in their last three games. Chennaiyin head coach Marco Materazzi has however broken his team’s four game drawing streak by claiming the table-topping win against Pune City. The southerners will most certainly be holding the psychological edge having thrashed their western rivals 5-1 in the first leg. The Mumbaikars can however take advantage if the visitors are forced to field a makeshift line-up due to injuries.Form Guide (Most recent first):Mumbai City FC: DDDWWChennaiyin FC: WDDDDManuel Friedrich vs Jeje Lalpekhlua Mumbai City’s stand in captain has risen to the occasion post his side’s 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Chennaiyin. The ex-Borrusia Dortmund star has helmed his team’s improved defensive showings. His composure and ability to anticipate dangerous situations will certainly come in handy when he squares off against the diminutive Jeje. The Indian international scored the decisive goal that sent Chennai to the top of the table, and having scored against Mumbai earlier, he will hope to repeat the feat. The Mizo’s pace, power and intelligent runs are just some of the things that Friedrich will have to be wary of if he if doesn’t want a repeat of the Chennai nightmare. Jan Štohanzl vs Bojan DjordjicThe Czech player has been a vital cog in Mumbai City’s midfield with his ability to cover every blade of grass on the pitch. A tireless runner, Štohanzl has a decent right foot and an innate ability of tracking back to help out his defence. He will contend for domination of the park with Chennai captain Bojan Djordjic and a right royale battle will erupt on the centre of the pitch. The left-footed Swede has good vision and distribution ability and if the mesmeric Elano Blumer has to sit out of this match due to injury, then Djordjic will have to exert some influence on the creative side as well. André Moritz vs Bernard MendyOne of Mumbai City’s brightest creative talents and still the only player to have registered a hat- trick in the league, Moritz will have to set up his strikers to score. The Brazilian tends to occupy positions just behind the strikers or drifts wide to send in teasing balls into the box. One of Chennai’s most consistent performers, Mendy will have to be wary of the dangers that Moritz can pose. Not afraid to put in a meaty tackle or two, the Frenchman will have to nip Moritz’s playmaking ability in the bud even as he forages upfield to join in the southern team’s attacks.Players to watchMumbai City FCNicolas Anelka – The talented Frenchman has scored two beauties for the maximum city side but has not been able to fire in his last three outings despite getting into good goal-scoring positions. This makes the former Chelsea star all the more dangerous as he will be looking to break his drought and use his pace, strength, dead ball skills and awareness to hurt Chennai in every way possible. The visitors no doubt will use every trick in the book to keep him quiet.Chennaiyin FCBalwant Singh – This exciting Indian talent had a magnificent outing against Pune City with a couple of assists, tormenting their defence with his unpredictable runs and movement. One of the finds of the tournament, the Punjabi player will be looking to carry his wonderful form into this game if he gets his chance. Pace and strength are his strongest assets and Mumbai City will have to wary of him.Team speakMumbai City FCLalrindika Ralte (midfielder): “I am not worried about anything. What matters is that I give my best every time I am out there on the pitch.”Chennaiyin FCMarco Materazzi (player-head coach): “I am not concerned about the result. Whether we win, lose or draw, we will do so as a team and I am proud of that.”
