I-League 2018-19: Chennai City vs East Bengal- Preview and prediction
East Bengal travel southwards to take on the I-League table-toppers Chennai tomorrow. This will be their most crucial match of the season, and one that can keep East Bengal's hopes of a league victory alive. The Red and Golds are currently sixth on the table with 19 points and a match at hand. With a win, they can come close to the table's top.
East Bengal riding high on confidence, must secure a victory
The Kolkata giants are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak, after having beaten major teams like Mohun Bagan, Gokulam, and Churchill Brothers. Alejandro Menéndez has been able to uplift the team after the poor start to the season. He will be eager to win comprehensively to secure the second spot on the table. East Bengal's task, however, will be far from easy.
How are Chennai looking ahead of the clash?
Chennai City are enjoying a great run as they dismantled Shillong Lajong with a scoreline of 6-1 and won 3-2 against Gokulam. Though Chennai are leading the table, at least five teams are really close to them, and a win will ease a lot of pressure at this crucial juncture. Chennai should attack from the start as it is their prime strength this season.
Who will be the key players for the match?
Jobby Justin, who has been in stupendous form, will carry expectations of all EB fans when they take the field tomorrow. Toni Dovale and Borja Gomez, the two Spaniards, will also be vital tomorrow. Chennai's Pedro Manzi has scored two hat-tricks this season and will be an immense threat to East Bengal's defense tomorrow. Edwin Vanspaul and Alexander Jesuraj will also be crucial.
Predicted lineup and TV listing for the match
Chennai City: Santana, Vanspaul, Eslava, Bora, Kumar, Raju, Lourdusamy, Jesuraj, Manzi, Gordillo, Rodriguez. East Bengal: Dagar, Mallick, Gomez, Acosta, Mohammed, Ralte, Aidara, Dovale, Ralte, Santos, Justin. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 PM, and will be broadcast live on Star Sports network., and can also be live-streamed on Hotstar.
How can the fixture turn out tomorrow?
A lot is at stake for East Bengal, with the Kolkata giants entertaining the option of securing the second spot in the league table with a match in hand. However, when they take on Chennai at their own backyard, they will be facing the toughest challenge possible, and thus the fixture will be one of the most important of 2019. EB can win 2-1.
