Chennaiyin FC host Kerala Blasters FC on Matchday 43 of the 2015 Hero Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. It’s a crunch tie for both sides as regards their semi-final chances, with the Super Machans currently lying at the bottom of the league and Kerala just one spot above them. It promises to be an exhilarating southern derby with both teams aware that a loss on Saturday will virtually end their hopes of making the semis.

Form Guide (Last 5 matches)

Chennaiyin FC: W-D-L-L-L

Kerala Blasters FC: L-D-W-L-W

Head-to-Head: Chennaiyin FC beat Kerala Blasters FC in both their league fixtures last season by an aggregate score of 3-1 but Kerala advanced to the final by beating the Super Machans by an aggregate score of 4-3 in the semis. And earlier this season, both sides played out a 1-1 draw.

Mehrajuddin Wadoo vs Antonio German

Mehrajuddin Wadoo has been a steadying influence in Chennai’s backline and has completed all 90 minutes in his eight starts this season. Wadoo’s ability to spot danger and put his body in the line of fire has seen him make 13 blocks for the Super Machans this year. He has also completed 54 clearances and made four interceptions at the back for Chennai.

The recent upturn in the fortunes of Kerala Blasters FC has coincided with the introduction of Antonio German into the Blasters fold. German has been in terrific form for Kerala and has scored thrice and made an assist in his five appearances for the men in yellow. His blistering pace will be a cause of concern for Chennai.

Elano vs Cavin Lobo

Elano’s guile and poise on the ball make him Chennai’s most likely source to create an opening. The Brazilian playmaker has been one of Chennai’s guiding lights in what has been a stop-start season for last year’s semi-finalists. Elano has scored on four occasions for Chennaiyin FC this season and also accounted for four assists.

Cavin Lobo seems to be hitting top gear for the Blasters at the right time as Kerala bid to keep their chances of making the semis alive. Lobo has made the most of his four starts this season so far. His goal in Kerala’s last game against NorthEast highlights his clinical finishing ability. Lobo has also made an assist for the Blasters.

Jayesh Rane vs Peter Ramage

The return of Jayesh Rane to first-team action comes as a welcome boost for Chennaiyin FC. The youngster demonstrated promising form at the start of the season before being sidelined due to injury. He has made two assists for Chennai this year and has a delightful first touch as well as an eye for the killer pass.

Peter Ramage along with goalkeeper Stephen Bywater and right-back Rahul Bheke are the only members of the Kerala squad to have been involved in every minute of action this season. Ramage has taken on the added responsibility of captaining Kerala by leading from the front and making 127 clearances as well as 12 blocks this season.

Saturday’s clash has all the makings of a classic with both sides desperate to keep their hopes of getting their hands on the prestigious Hero ISL trophy alive. Kerala currently have the winning momentum after they beat NorthEast United FC by a handsome score-line of 4-1 in their last match. Chennaiyin FC, on the other, will be looking to make the most of their home field advantage and leapfrog Kerala in the table.

Quotes:

Kerala had a really good game against NorthEast but still they have to give everything as we do. So I think it’s going to be a good game: Chennai head coach Marco Materazzi

Every game we have played has been cagey. Tomorrow is a big game and we do expect it to be cagey. We will go out with full confidence but yeah, a few nerves would be there. We expect to get something out of it and if the players play without any fear we could get a result: Kerala head coach Terry Phelan

Squads:

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, Gilbert Oliveira, 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 Valencia

Kerala Blasters FC: Stephen Bywater, Rahul Shankar Bheke, Ramandeep Singh, Peter Ramage, Cavin Lobo, Joao Coimbra, Chris Dagnall, Mohd Rafi, Ishfaq Ahmed, Shankar S, CK Vineeth, Mehtab Hossain, Sandesh Jhingan, Deepak Kumar Mandal , Manandeep Singh, Sanchez Watt, Antonio German, Bruno Perone, Sandip Nandy, Saumik Dey, Marcus Williams, Peter Carvalho, Victor Herrero Forcada, Josu Currias, Shilton Paul