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Mumbai City FC host Chennaiyin FC in Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday. The Islanders have won just one of their four fixtures so far, and will be desperate to bag three points at home coming off the back of a hard-fought draw at the Kerala Blasters. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC will be high on confidence following a thrilling victory over defending champions ATK, which was also their third win on the trot.
Head to head
Mumbai City FC 1 – 4 Chennaiyin FC (1 draw)
KEY PLAYERS
Gerson Vieira (Mumbai City FC)
The Brazilian has been deployed to good effect in midfield frequently, where he keeps the opponents in check while also carrying forward numerous attacks. Not shy to take shots either, he has gone on to become one of the most versatile players in the league. The 25-year-old will be a key figure when Mumbai host Chennai.
Jeje Lalpekhlua (Chennaiyin FC)
The Mizo sniper finally opened his account in Chennai’s previous fixture against ATK, where his brace helped the southerners to their first league-phase victory over the defending champions in league history. Strong and clinical with a goal-poacher’s instinct, Lalpekhlua will look to influence his side to their fourth consecutive victory.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
Mumbai City FC
Alexandre Guimaraes is likely to stick to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, giving plenty of leeway and edge to the attack.
Goalkeeper: Amrinder Singh
Defenders: Raju Gaikwad, Lucian Goian, Gerson Vieira, Aiborlang Khongjee
Midfielders: Leo Costa, Sehnaj Singh, Abinash Ruidas, Everton Santos, Achille Emana,
Forward: Balwant Singh
Mumbai’s captain Lucian Goian on the home fans and the opponents: “Playing at home, we have the fans behind us who have been fantastic every time. We hope that their support will make it easier for us, though it won’t be an easy game. Chennaiyin are coming off the back of three wins, but we are playing at home and we are ready. We have had some good training sessions, and we hope we can get the three points.”
Chennaiyin FC
Chennai may begin with a 4-5-1 formation as preferred by head coach John Gregory. It allows him to use the flanks well and have Lalpekhlua at the tip of his attack.
Goalkeeper: Karanjit Singh
Defenders: Jerry Lalrinzuala, Henrique Sereno, Mailson Alves, Inigo Calderon
Midfielders: Gregory Nelson, Thoi Singh, Raphael Augusto, Francisco Fernandes, Dhanpal Ganesh
Forward: Jeje Lalpekhlua
The Englishman on his opponents of the night: “There are no easy games, and I am very excited for the game against Mumbai tomorrow night. I just saw the pitch, and I must say, I like the stadium. It is very compact, and I am sure that the fans who will be here will create a good atmosphere.”
KEY STATS
In the six fixtures played against Mumbai City so far, Chennaiyin have scored 14 goals against them, while conceding only four times
Mumbai’s only victory against Chennai came in the last fixture between the two
LAST ENCOUNTER
Mumbai City FC 2–0 Chennaiyin FC (23rd November 2016 at the Mumbai Football Arena)
