Chennaiyin FC will look to get their season back on track when they host FC Pune City at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. Marco Materazzi’s men have lost two on the trot on their travels and will be hoping to find some form against Antonio Habas’ Pune City in front of their home crowd. Both the defeats, 4-1 to Delhi Dynamos FC and 3-1 to Kerala Blasters FC has highlighted deficiencies at the back for Chennai. The Super Machans will be desperate for a win to keep their semis hope alive and will take heart from the fact that they have never lost to the Stallions. FC Pune City meanwhile have had a resurgence after their early hiccups. A 2-1 win over Atlético de Kolkata and a 1-0 win over Mumbai City FC have brought them onto the cusp of a semis spot and another away win will solidify their claim. Thus, lot of fireworks can be expected when the two teams face off in the Hero Indian Super League 2016.

Head to head: 2014 saw Pune drawing 1-1 at home before suffering a 3-1 away loss. In 2015, Chennayin won 2-1 at home and then 1-0 away. Their first encounter this season ended 1-1 in Pune.

Form Guide: (Last five games)

Chennayin FC: D-D-D-L-L

FC Pune City: D-D-L-W-W

John Arne Riise vs Anibal Rodriguez

John Arne Riise’s experience always comes to the forefront whenever he is on the pitch. With clean tackling, he offers Chennai defensive solidity at the back. A threat in set-pieces, his shots have often proven to be the difference in close contests.

Anibal Rodriguez has become central to Pune’s plans after netting twice for the Stallions this season. The 33-year-old is the highest scorer for the orange army this season and his runs into the box have often proved to be troublesome for opposition defences. His height gives him an added advantage during set-pieces.

Hans Mulder vs Eugeneson Lyngdoh

Hans Mulder has been a midfield marshal for Chennayin this year, contributing both in attack and defence. With a high work rate, he has been all over the pitch winning key tackles, making darting runs as well as vital interceptions. Having also scored twice in Hero ISL 2016, the Dutchman is essential to Marco Materazzi’s team with his neat and intrinsic passing at the centre of the park.

Eugeneson Lyngdoh has had an immediate impact for Pune City after winning them the Maharashtra derby in their last outing. Coming on as a substitute, he scored the winner in their last match against local rivals Mumbai City FC. The 30-year-old’s winner gives his side a much-needed boost in confidence as we enter the business end of the season. His attacking prowess, passing skills and knack of scoring goals make him a gamechanger.

Davide Succi vs Eduardo Ferreira

Davide Succi has shown his prowess in front of the goal as he demonstrated by netting the winner against NorthEast United FC earlier this season. His deft touches and ball control sees him constantly keeping opposition defenders on their toes. The 35-year-old Italian is also powerful in the air and will need to be watched carefully during set-pieces.

Eduardo Ferreira has often stonewalled rival forwards on a consistent basis in Hero ISL 2016. His clean tackles and smart interceptions have often decided the outcome of the match. The 33-year-old can also contribute in attack and has already netted once for the Stallions this year.

Squads:

Chennaiyin FC: Karanjit Singh, Pawan Kumar, Duwayne Kerr, Bernard Mendy, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Eli Sabia, Eder Monterio, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Abhishek Das, John Arne Riise, Baljit Sahni, Hans Mulder, Manuele Blasi, Thoi Singh, Raphael Augusto, Harmanjot Singh Khabra, Davide Succi, Maurizio Peluso, Bedashwor Singh, Uttam Rai, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Zakeer Mundampara, Jayesh Rane

FC Pune City: Edel Bete, Arindam Bhattacharya, Vishal Kaith, Zodingliana Ralte, Vishal Kaith, Rahul Bheke, Yumnam Raju, Narayan Das, Augustine Fernandes, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Eduardo Ferreira, Gouramangi Singh, Arata Izumi, Jonathan Lucca, Francis Fernandes, Bruno Arias, Josep María Comadevall Crous (Pitu), Lenny Rodrigues, Momar Ndoye, Sanju Pradhan, Anibal Zurdo Rodriguez, Gustavo Oberman, Jesus Rodriguez Tato, Eugeneson Lyngdoh