ISL 2015 Preview: Chennaiyin to make short work of bottom-rankers NorthEast

NorthEast are coming into this game on the back of three consecutive defeats; the last of which came against FC Goa. The home team have been handicapped by a host of injuries and are currently missing four foreign players – three of whom have been ruled out for the rest of tournament. This has stretched the squad and Cesar Farias has been unable to make any significant changes to the starting line-up due to lack of options.

Like their opponent, Chennaiyin made a slow start to the campaign as well, with two defeats in their opening two matches, but have bounced back brilliantly. Marco Materazzi found the perfect combination in his starting line-up against FC Goa and since then the Men from Marina have produced a brace of eye-catching performances, including a 2-0 win over Mumbai City FC in their last game.

Materazzi's men have a golden opportunity to reach the top of the table with a win in this game. Three points will put them level on points with FC Pune City and Delhi Dynamos, but Chennaiyin currently have the best goal difference in the league.

NorthEast United team news

Three foreign players- Miguel Garcia, Kondwani Mtonga, Boubacar Sanogo – have been ruled out of the rest of the season and NorthEast United are yet to announce their replacements.

Marquee winger Simao Sabrosa, who underwent intensive treatment for a lower leg contusion, has rejoined the squad, but is unlikely to start against Chennaiyin. Farias has revealed that the final decision on his availability will be taken by the physio.

Seityasen Singh has also recovered from his injury and is likely to return to the starting line-up.

Chennaiyin FC team news

Unlike their host, Chennaiyin don't have any injuries to deal with ahead of this game. Marco Materazzi has found a winning combination, and is unlikely to make any changes to his starting line-up for this game.

Previous encounters

8 November, 2014: Chennaiyin FC 2 (Elano 25', 78') -2 NorthEast United FC (Len 38', Koke 85')

27 November, 2014: NorthEast United FC 3 (Durga 10', Massamba 21', 23') -0 Chennaiyin FC

Prediction

NorthEast United FC 1-3 Chennaiyin FC

NorthEast are struggling at both ends of the pitch. They have scored the least number of goals in the league (2), and conceded the most (7). Chennaiyin are in red hot form at the moment, and this should be an easy three points for Marco Materazzi's men.