Indian Super League: Chennaiyin seek home comfort

It will be a crucial Wednesday for Chennaiyin FC as they face NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League at Nehru Stadium here. A win for the hosts will revive their semi-final hopes while the Highlanders will be keen to do the double over Chennaiyin.

While Nehru Stadium was a fortress for Chennaiyin last year, it has been breached twice in three matches this year and Marco Materazzi & Co. will want to turn the tide in their favour.

Though seventh in the eight-team league, NorthEast United have come here in form. After a wretched start, they have picked up 10 points out of a possible 15 in their last five games and are fresh after completing an encore over defending champions Atletico de Kolkata.

United coach Cesar Farias said his side were aware of their opponents’ style of play well. “We are focusing on our strengths and will be keen to execute our plans,” the 42-year-old Venezuelan added.

That half the job is done for Chennaiyins’ opponents by denying room to Elano and Stiven Mendoza is common knowledge now, Materazzi wants his entire team to step up to the plate. “Every match from now on is crucial. We haven’t been consistent and it’s time to set the ball rolling for a play-off place,” the Italian added.

Cameroonian defender Andre Bikey stood like a rock for United in the home match to deny Fikru Teferra and Mendoza and he will have a busy evening as the hosts are certain to push for three points. Materazzi entered Elano and Mendoza only in the second half at Guwahati and the Italian may not be able to experiment again as his side are in danger of losing steam in the semi-final race.

With Karanjit Singh away on national duty, Edel Bete will be the choice between the sticks and considering Chennaiyin’s poor penalty record, the taller goalie is the the best bet. The unavailability of holding midfielder Harmanjot Khabra is a setback for Materazzi, who is likely to give a starting place for striker Balwant Singh to fulfil the Indian quota in the playing XI.

His options aren’t plenty given the fact that Jeje Lalpekhlua is away with the Indian team and Fikru is still searching for his first goal.

The Highlanders are the only team in the league with a negative goal difference and Farias hinted that they would be looking out to end the dubious record soon.