After registering the first away win in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) with a solid 2-1 win over FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC will look to build on their victory in their home opener. Their first game at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is the ‘South Indian’ derby against Kerala Blasters FC, setting up what should be a mouth-watering fixture with passions running high both on the pitch and in the stands.

The visitors, meanwhile, are looking for their first points in the competition, having lost a close match 1-0 to NorthEast United FC last week. They will have their task cut out for them, however, as the home side’s defence came out of a stern test against a strong Goa attack with flying colours. The duel between the regional rivals should be a thrilling encounter.

Elano Blumer vs Penn Orji

The former Manchester City man, Elano showed his value to the Chennai team with a superb free kick in his previous outing which proved to be the winner for his side. He will look to continue that kind of form and dictate terms from the middle of the park. Orji, however, has experience playing in India and is an extremely hard-working midfielder. He will have to play a big role in stopping Elano and the rest of the Chennaiyin attack, while also serving as the link between defence and attack for Kerala.

Gouramangi Singh vs C S Sabeeth

The Chennai defence is one of the strongest in the league and having a player of the quality of Gouramangi Singh is an added bonus. The powerful defender can stop an attack in its path and is useful during set-pieces as well. He will be up against a buoyant, young Indian striker in Sabeeth who displayed his quality in his last match against the NorthEast. Despite failing to score, the Kerala striker won over the spectators with his impressive work rate and readiness to take shots.

Balwant Singh vs David James

Balwant Singh became the first Indian player to score in the Hero Indian Super League with his goal against FC Goa. The mercurial frontman will want to add to his tally when he faces Kerala Blasters FC. In his way will be veteran goalkeeper David James, who has a wealth of experience playing in England. An instinctive shot- stopper, James showed that he still has it in him with an acrobatic save from a long range Durga Boro shot in Guwahati. The duel between the young striker and the veteran goalkeeper will be fascinating to watch.

Players to Watch
Chennaiyin FC

Bernard Mendy: Traditionally a right full-back by trade, Mendy is playing the centre back position for his new team and is enjoying his new role. A tactically astute defender, Mendy has good positional awareness, and uses his strength to hold attackers off the ball. With his penchant for wandering high up the pitch and scoring important goals, along with his defensive abilities, Mendy has quickly established himself as one of the leaders in the Chennaiyin FC squad.

Kerala Blasters FC

Michael Chopra: The former Sunderland striker must still be ruing his missed chances in his previous match – chances that could have seen his team avoid defeat. He will hope to return to his usual clinical ways in front of goal and help his team get some points in their second consecutive away game.

Courtesy: ISL