I-League 2018-19: Chennai City vs Mohun Bagan: Preview and prediction
What's the story
Chennai City will be taking on Mohun Bagan tomorrow in their return I-League fixture. While Chennai are at the top of the league table with 37 points from 17 matches, Mohun Bagan are sixth with 26 points from 17 matches. Bagan had earlier managed to draw against the league leaders at home. Will they win tomorrow? Here's our detailed match preview.
Chennai City
How are Chennai looking ahead of the match?
Akbar Nawaz's Chennai recently drew a match against NEROCA, in which their defensive troubles were exposed by Katsumi and company when they returned from 0-3 down to level the match 3-3. However, Chennai won their last match against Shillong Lajong with a 4-2 scoreline - something that will give them confidence against Bagan. Chennai's deadly attack could be Bagan's bane tomorrow.
Mohun Bagan
Are Mohun Bagan ready for the challenge?
Tomorrow will be a rare occasion when East Bengal, who are currently second on the league table, will be backing arch-rivals Bagan to win. Bagan have won two out of their last five matches, and if they win tomorrow, they can jump to the fifth spot on the table. However, midfielder Yuta Kinowaki will be out with an injury.
Key players
Who will be the key players in the match?
For Mohun Bagan, Dicka and Sony Norde will be the trump cards, as will be Shilton Paul at goal. Henry Kisekka will be another important player in Bagan's attacking lineup. Chennai's deadly attacking trio, comprising Pedro Manzi, Nestor Gordillo, and Sandro Rodriguez, will be a constant threat to Bagan's defense. Manzi will be charged up after scoring five goals in his last two matches.
TV listing
Predicted lineup and TV listing
Chennai City: Boerchio, Vanspaul, Bora, Kalpan, Ajithkumar K, Raju, Regin, Jesuraj, Rodriguez, Gordillo, Manzi. Mohun Bagan: Paul, Kumar, Kima, Singh, Ruidas, Khiangte, Hossain, Kingsley, Norde, Kisekka, Dicka. The match is scheduled to kick-off from 5:00 PM and will be telecast on the Star Sports network. It can also be live-streamed on Hotstar or Jio TV.
Prediction
How can the match turn out tomorrow?
While Chennai have been the most consistent team in the I-League, their recent defensive weakness do pose a problem for them. Bagan have a strong attacking lineup and might pose a threat to Chennai. However, Chennai have been so good in attack this season, that they are still the favorites. We predict 2-2 for the match.
Fantasy XI
What should be the ideal Fantasy XI for the match?
Use a 4-3-3 formation with Paul as the goalkeeper as Vanspual and Ruidas play as the left and right backs respectively. Bora and Singh can play as the center-backs while Raju, Kingsley, and Norde can be the midfielders. Manzi, Gordillo, and Dicka can be the forwards.