Chennaiyin FC will look to get back to winning ways as they welcome Mumbai City FC to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday evening. Mumbai are a point off the top of the table and know that a win against the defending champions will take them to the summit of the league. Alexandre Guimaraes’ men ended Atlético de Kolkata’s undefeated streak by beating them 1-0 in their last game, and his team will be brimming with confidence going into the contest. Chennaiyin can also top the table if they win by a two-goal margin. Their recent climb up the table has slowed down after consecutive draws against FC Pune City (1-1) and Kerala Blasters FC (0-0), making Wednesday’s game a mouth-watering clash with both sides in it to win.Head-to-head: Chennaiyin FC have always trumped Mumbai City FC in their past battles. The four previous encounters have produced 14 goals with Chennaiyin scoring 13 of them. Hero ISL 2014 saw the Super Machans beat Mumbai 5-1 at home and 3-0 away. The results last season were also 2-0 away and 3-0 at home in Chennai’s favour.Form Guide (last five matches):Chennaiyin FC: L-W-W-D-DMumbai City FC: D-L-D-L-WJeje Lalpekhlua vs Lucian GoianJeje Lalpekhlua will be looking to build on his stunning goal against FC Pune City. The India international is the highest scoring domestic talent in the league and is constantly involved in attack. He is also good at providing assists and this season he has done it twice. The 25-year-old will need to be watched closely by Mumbai’s defence on Wednesday.Lucian Goian put in a Hero-of-the-Match performance in his team’s last match against Kolkata. His blocks, interceptions and tackles were spot on and came at crucial moments. The 33-year-old Romanian will need to continue in the same vein if Mumbai want to keep it tight at the back against a formidable Chennaiyin attacking line.Raphael Augusto vs Sony NordeAfter some stellar showings for Chennai last year, Raphael Augusto has again donned the role of midfield marshal for the Super Machans this season. His exceptional passing rate has been beneficial to the team as he keeps things constantly ticking in midfield. The Brazilian also plays an influential role in getting his team forward by linking defence to attack seamlessly.Haitian international Sony Norde has left his opponents dazzled with his blistering pace and intelligent runs down the left. His propensity to cut in from the left and test the goalkeeper can be lethal. Norde’s ability to hold the ball and commit defenders to open up spaces for others to run into is another threatening asset.Bernard Mendy vs Diego ForlanThe Super Machans have never lost a match with Bernard Mendy in the side this season. The defensive rock is not someone who shies away from a robust tackle or two. The 35-year-old has also been brilliant in aerial duels, winning several challenges in the air. His neat passing and the tendency to move forward and help out in attack is another asset for his side.Diego Forlan shone in Mumbai City FC’s previous encounter scoring the all-important match winner to break ATK’s unbeaten streak. The marquee man has been a perfect leader for the team and his performances have ignited Mumbai’s campaign in Hero ISL 2016. The Uruguayan legend’s ominous recent form can be bad news for opposition defences as the season develops.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, Dhanachandra Singh, Zakeer MundamparaMumbai City FC: Roberto Volpato Neto, Albino Gomes, Gerson Vieira, Lucian Goian, Facundo Cardozo, Anwar Ali, Aiborlang Khongjee, Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai, Munmun Timothy Lugun, Ashutosh Mehta, Krisztian Vadocz, Leo Costa, Jackichand Singh, Pronay Halder, Sehnaj Singh, Boithang Haokip, David Lalrinmuana, Rakesh Oram, Matias Defederico, Otacilio Brito Alves, Sony Norde, Diego Forlan, Arnab Das Sarma, Thiago Cunha
