Chennaiyin FC will be looking to avenge their defeat earlier in Hero Indian Super League Season 2 when they play NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday. Marco Materazzi’s men were beaten comprehensively 2-0 by the Highlanders last month and on Wednesday getting his own back would be at forefront of his mind. Both teams have 10 points from eight matches but Chennaiyin, who are two places ahead of NorthEast at fifth in the table, enjoy a much better goal difference.Form Guide [Last 5 Matches]Chennaiyin FC: W-L-W-D-LNorthEast United FC: W-W-L-D-WHead-to-Head: In an intense encounter earlier this season at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, the Highlanders registered an easy win thanks to goals from Simao and Nicolas Velez. Overall, the Guwahati-based team has the upper hand with a 2-2 away draw and a 3-0 home win against the Super Machans last season.Stiven Mendoza v Andre BikeyTied with Sunil Chhetri for the Golden Boot armband, the Colombian forward will be itching to get his nose ahead of India’s top scorer of all time, who is currently away on national duty. However, it won’t be an easy task for Mendoza to outgun an NEUFC defence that has tightened of late.Having established himself at the heart of the Highlanders defence, Andre Bikey deservingly picked up the Hero-of-the-Match award against Atlético de Kolkata. His ability to break up play and clear the ball out of the danger areas will have a telling say on the outcome.Elano v Siam HanghalRight from Season 1, Elano Blumer has done a substantial amount of justice his playmaker role. Leading the assists chart with four, the seasoned Brazilian midfielder’s knack of reading the game stands as an imminent threat to the opponents.Nevertheless, NorthEast coach Cesar Farias could always use the likes of Siam Hanghal to disrupt Chennaiyin FC’s free-flowing attack. The Manipuri winger is usually seen plying his trade on the right wing but the Chennai game should see him take on a deeper role.Bernard Mendy v Diomansy KamaraBernard Mendy is a defender who doesn’t shy away from a challenge or two and he can also come in handy up in the opponents’ box. An integral part of Chennaiyin FC’s backline, containing him from set-pieces will be key to the Highlanders’ chances in the match.Farias has a very good attacking option in Diomansy Kamara. He has been useful in setting up play on quite a few occasions. He could be used as a “fresh pair of legs” in the second half when the Super Machans defence is exhausted.Both the sides will be looking for a victory after a fierce encounter earlier this season. Since then, Farias’ men have showed a renewed sense of promise and have embarked upon a good series of results. Marquee player Simao’s more-than-visible presence in the past few matches has boosted the side.On the contrary, Chennaiyin FC, who have seen a couple of set-backs over the past few weeks, will be desperate to clinch a victory and reignite their semi-final chances.Quotes:Chennai is a great team. You can see that by their results. Some players stand out because of their goals and assists: NorthEast United FC head coach Cesar FariasIf we will deserve to be in the semis, we will be there. If not, then it will be disappointed for the whole team: Chennaiyin FC head coach Marco MaterazziSquads:Chennaiyin FC: Karanjit Singh, Nidhin Lal, Apoula Edel Bete, Éder Monteiro Fernandes, Justin Stephen, Bernard Mendy, Abhishek Das, Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte, L. Dhanachandra Singh, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Mailson Alves, Alessandro Potenza, Dhanpal Ganesh, Elano Blumer (marquee player), Godwin Franco, Thoi Singh, Harmanjot Khabra, Raphael Augusto, Bruno Augusto Pelissari de Lima, Zakeer Mundampara, Manuele Blasi, Fikru Teferra Lamessa, Jayesh Rane, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Balwant Singh, John Stiven Mendoza ValenciaNorthEast United FC: Aiborlang Khongjee, Robin Gurung, Boithang Haokip, Alen Deory, Rehenesh Thumbirumbu Paramba, Sanju Pradhan, Hali Charan Narzary, Seityasen Singh, Lalthuammawia Ralte, Siam Hanghal, Raju Yumnam, Reagan Singh , Marlangki Suting, Zohmingliana Ralte, Kondwani Mtonga, Andre Bikey, Gennaro Bracigliano, Simao Pedro Da Fonseca Sabrosa (Marquee Player), Bruno Herrero Arias, Diomansy Mehdi Moustapha Kamara, Jorge Manuel Rebelo Fernandes, Cedric Alain Hervine Hengbart, Nicolas Leandro Velez, Francis Dadzie, Boubacar Sanogo.
