ISL 2018-19: Chennaiyin FC vs Pune City: Preview and prediction
What's the story
Indian Super League's defending champions Chennaiyin FC will be hosting Pune FC tomorrow in their return ISL fixture. While Chennai have had a disastrous turn of fortunes this season and are currently at the bottom of the league table with five points from 13 matches, Pune are seventh with 11 points from 12 matches. Will Chennai register their second victory of the season tomorrow?
Chennaiyin
How are the hosts looking ahead of the encounter?
Chennaiyin are coming off four straight losses, and will be desperate to register a win tomorrow. Their only win this season came against Pune in November 2018, when they won the match 4-2. Halicharan Narzary and CK Vineeth have been the newest additions to the side, but are yet to cause a change of fortunes. Mailson Alves will be out serving his suspension.
Pune City
Are Pune ready for the challenge?
Pune City will be playing their first match under new manager Phil Brown. However, they should be confident after defeating Kerala Blasters and FC Goa back-to-back. If Ashique Kuruniyan and Robin Singh are deployed as wingers, Pune could have higher chances of scoring. Sahil Panwar will also return from suspension tomorrow. If they win, Pune can come within three points of ATK.
Key players
Who will be the key players in tomorrow's encounter?
Raphael Augusto has been an important player for Chennaiyin when it comes to their attacking options, and the presence of CK Vineeth and Narzary should also bolster their scoring chances. Pune City have ISL highest-ever scorer Ian Hume in their ranks, and he can create problems for Chennaiyin's defenders any time. Marcelinho, Kuruniyan, and Robin Singh will also be vital players for Pune City.
Predicted line-up
Predicted line-up and TV listing
Chennaiyin FC: Karanjit, Renthlei, Zohmingliana, Eli Sabia, Tondonba, Orlandi, Germanpreet, Nelson, Augusto, Narzary, Vineeth. Pune City: Kamaljit, Panwar, Diaz, Mills, Golui, Vila, Adil, Robin, Hume, Kuruniyan, Marcelinho. The match is scheduled to kick-off from 7:30 PM and can be viewed on the Star Sports network or live-streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.
Prediction
How can the match turn out to be tomorrow?
Chennaiyin FC have shown no promise this season, and thus it cannot be assumed they will suddenly play a brilliant match and pick up the win. The balance is surely tilted towards Pune, as they are in good form and have also performed much better than the defending champions. Pune might win the match with a scoreline of 2-0.