ISL 2018-19: NorthEast United vs Chennaiyin FC- Preview and prediction
NorthEast United will host Chennaiyin FC tomorrow in their Indian Super League fixture. While the hosts are fourth on the league table with 20 points from 12 matches, the defending champions Chennaiyin are at the bottom of the league table having won only one match, this entire season. Will they manage to grab their second win tomorrow? Here's our detailed match preview.
How are the north-easterners gearing up for the match?
NorthEast United have won just one out of their last five matches. Moreover, their run at home has not been impressive. They last won at home against Kerala Blasters in November. NorthEast will have to be careful about their attack, as they have scored just 16 goals in the entire tournament. Bartholomew Ogbeche will be their main man when it comes to scoring goals.
Are Chennaiyin ready for the encounter?
Chennaiyin don't promising in their attacking as well as their defending department. They have conceded 24 goals this season, while managing to score just 13 themselves. Chennai's Mailson Alves will not be able to take part in the encounter as he is serving a three-match ban. CK Vineeth and Halicharan Narzary have joined Chennai, and their effect might be felt tomorrow.
Who are the key players in the match?
For NorthEast United, Rowllin Borges and Jose Leudo will be their most important representatives in the midfield. Panagiotis Triadis can also prove to be vital while going forward. For Chennaiyin, new signings in the form of striker CK Vineeth and winger Halicharan Narzary will be the players, they will look at for inspiration.
Predicted line-up and TV listing
NorthEast United: Pawan, Reagan, Gurwinder, Grgic, Keegan, Leudo, Borges, Tlang, Gallego, Mascia, Ogbeche. Chennaiyin FC: Karanjit, Renthlei, Calderon, Eli Sabia, Tondonba, Orlandi, Thapa, Vineeth, Augusto, Narzary, Jeje. The match is scheduled to kick-off from 7:30 PM and can be seen on the Star Sports network and also live-streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.
How can the fixture turn out?
It is difficult to say how the match will turn out considering the fact that NorthEast United have performed poorly at home this season. Moreover, Chennaiyin have bolstered their squad with important signings and thus can suddenly turn things around in their favor. However, with someone like Ogbeche in their ranks, NorthEast can pick up the win with a sudden goal.