Chennaiyin FC host Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18’s second southern derby. The 2015 champions inflicted a first home defeat of the season on Bengaluru FC last time around and will be hungry for success when they take on Kerala in a high-intensity clash.

Speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference was Chennaiyin head coach, John Gregory. He began by expressing his delight at the performance of his team, while admitting it would be a tough encounter. “I am delighted with the way we have gone about our season,’ he said. “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. There are no easy games in the ISL and it is going to be a tough game.”

The Englishman is also hoping for good support for both sides during the clash. “We are playing local rivals, so obviously they will bring a lot of fans with them,” Gregory said. “So far this season, the home atmosphere has been amazing. Our fans always make a lot of noise, they have always been very supportive of the team and we have scored a few goals here so we have given them the opportunity to let their hair down a bit.”

“They (Kerala Blasters FC) will be particularly strong,” he added. “The fact that Kerala haven’t been as free scoring this season is irrelevant. I am sure that they will be working very hard to get their first win tomorrow. They too have suffered with one or two injuries. But I expect this to be a very, very tough game.”