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Chennaiyin FC host Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday. The 2015 champions, who are second in the points table, have tasted defeat in just one out of their previous seven fixtures and come off the back of a 2-1 victory over defending champions ATK. A win would bring them to within a point of the league leaders while also edging themselves closer towards qualification for the playoffs. On the other hand, league debutants Bengaluru FC can open up a seven-point lead at the top of the table with a win over the hosts, and they too will be gearing up for this clash after a win over ATK in their previous fixture. The Blues have also won all their last three matches and will want to get a fourth win to ease pressure at the top.
HEAD TO HEAD
Chennaiyin FC 1–0 Bengaluru FC
KEY PLAYERS
Jeje Lalpekhlua (Chennaiyin FC)
The ‘Mizo Sniper’ has fired all cylinders in the league this season. Strong and opportunistic, Jeje also possesses clinical finishing skills combined with his deft touch of the ball. A striker who carves openings in any odd defence, he already has seven goals to his credit this season and will look to add to that tally in a tough encounter.
Edu Garcia (Bengaluru FC)
The Spaniard has been the Blues’ go-to man in the middle of the park. He has shown great attacking flair while coming up with defining passes as well in every game. An expert at taking set-pieces, Garcia has a goal and five assists to his name this season and will want to create a major impact in the game at Chennai.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
Chennaiyin FC
John Gregory may go forward with the same 4-2-3-1 formation, which has yielded rich dividends in the past for his team.
Goalkeeper: Karanjit Singh
Defenders: Inigo Calderon, Mailson Alves, Henrique Sereno, Jerry Lalrinzuala
Midfielders: Dhanpal Ganesh, Anirudh Thapa, Thoi Singh, Rene Mihelic, Gregory Nelson
Forward: Jeje Lalpekhlua
Chennaiyin head coach John Gregory on everyone contributing to scoring: “Everyone else has chipped in with goals. If we expect Jeje to score in every game, that would be a big burden for him to shoulder. So, I am delighted that everyone is contributing this season.”
Bengaluru FC
Albert Roca will probably go for a 4-1-4-1 formation, which relies heavily on their midfield and flanks for proper service to the striker.
Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh
Defenders: Harmanjot Khabra, John Johnson, Juanan, Subhasish Bose
Midfielders: Lenny Rodrigues, Edu Garcia, Erik Paartalu, Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh
Forward: Miku
Bengaluru head coach Albert Roca on the importance of everyone contributing towards scoring: “For me, it does not matter who scores. But I like it when the strikers score because it means they are doing their job. It makes things complicated when you always demand goals from strikers. So, it is important for the teammates to contribute, and give back-up from behind (and) give crosses so that the team functions as a whole.”
KEY STATS
– Bengaluru FC are yet to draw a match in the Hero ISL this season
– Chennaiyin FC has the least number of defeats in the league (3)
LAST ENCOUNTER
Bengaluru FC 1–2 Chennaiyin FC (17th December 2017 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru)
FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)
Bengaluru FC: W W W L W
Chennaiyin FC: W L W D W
