ISL 2015: Chennaiyin FC vs Kerala Blasters – Preview




CHENNAI: There will be place for only one team from the South in the semifinals of the Hero Indian Super League as Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters look to outwit each other in a crucial 11th round clash in Chennai on Saturday.

Chennaiyin FC vs Kerala Blasters

Chennaiyin FC vs Kerala Blasters

The last year’s semi-final clash between the two clubs in this city had witnessed in a high-voltage clash with Kerala overcoming the challenge to progress to finals. This year, Chennaiyin FC are at the bottom of the table with 10 points from 10 matches while Kerala Blasters have 11 points and are just above their rivals in seventh spot.

“There is not much to think about. We have to take one game at a time and hope that we win this one. After that, we will think about the next game,” said Chennaiyin FC coach Marco Materazzi.

Chennaiyin FC have lost three matches in a row and now must win their remaining four matches to have a mathematical chance of qualifying for the semi finals. Their remaining matches include Delhi Dynamos (November 24), Mumbai City FC (December 1) and FC Pune City (December 5), with the last game played away.

Materazzi denied popular perception that Chennaiyin FC are too predictable with Stiven Mendoza as striker, Elano Blumer as the attacking midfielder and Raphael Augusto in midfield.

“I wouldn’t say we are predictable because when Jayesh was playing and we played against Goa, we scored four goals against a team who later scored seven (against Mumbai). I would like my players in optimal physical condition all the time but that’s not possible. The choice of Raphael is simple. He is an amazing player. He is a top player and that’s why I pick him,” said Materazzi.

One player who Materazzi surprisingly did not pick for the last match against Atletico de Kolkata — which they lost — is Mendoza. The league’s joint highest goal-scorer with six goals was left on the bench and the manager explained why.

“Mendoza was not injured and it was my choice. It’s my responsibility. We wanted to make Fikru play for the full 90 minutes,” said Materazzi.

A resurgent Kerala Blasters kept their hopes alive with a 4-1 victory over NorthEast United but will need still need plenty of more points to make it to the last-four stage.

“I think every game (from now on) is cagey. We are going into this game with plenty of confidence. There will be a few nerves but if we can get our players to get going, it will be exciting. Hopefully we will get a positive result,” said coach Terry Phelan.

“There is plenty of confidence in the team. We have just come off a great result against NorthEast. You’ve got to play with confidence. Obviously it’s very tight at the moment. It’s a must-win game for both teams. I am sure we can get a result. It will be nerve-racking at the start,” said Phelan.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Author:

Aspiring Media Enthusiast, Cricket Tragic, Football Fanatic, Avid Reader, Amateur Photographer & Wannabe Sports Writer.

Cricket

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti enjoys gully cricket in Jaipur

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti enjoys gully cricket in Jaipur

Posted by: Vikram Kamboj on February 4th, 2024

Jaipur, 04 February 2024: US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti was in the pink city on Saturday where the Ambassador dropped by Rajasthan Royals’ home stadium ..

Football

LALIGA Concludes ‘Extra Time’ Webinar Series

LALIGA Concludes ‘Extra Time’ Webinar Series

Posted by: Pooja Kamboj on May 16th, 2024

Continuing to work alongside stakeholders from the sports fraternity, LALIGA, the world’s largest football ecosystem, brought the curtains down on this se ..

Tennis

Leander Paes inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

Leander Paes inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

Posted by: Vikram Kamboj on December 19th, 2023

Former doubles world No. 1 Leander Paes was recently elected to receive the Ultimate Honor in Tennis – induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame &# ..

F1

Life Lessons learned from Sports & Fitness #TOSBDay

Life Lessons learned from Sports & Fitness #TOSBDay

Posted by: Vikram Kamboj on September 26th, 2016

Held on Sept 1st, The Outstanding Speakers’ Bureau (TOSB) Twinterview consisted of sports panelists such as Mark Gallagher (Public Speaker on F1 race), Shayam ..

Boxing

Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker set for huge showdown

Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker set for huge showdown

Posted by: Vikram Kamboj on February 15th, 2018

It looks like it will be a scintillating couple of months for fans of elite boxing. There is the prospect of the rematch between Gennady Golovkin and Saul ‘Ca ..

Other Sports

The 2023-24 Season of the Los Angeles Clippers: A Mid-Season Review

The 2023-24 Season of the Los Angeles Clippers: A Mid-Season Review

Posted by: Vikram Kamboj on February 15th, 2024

As the 2023-24 NBA season approaches the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Clippers have emerged as a formidable force in the Western Conference, showcasing their ..

One stop guide to all the latest sports news, reviews, opinions, fixtures and live scores from India and around the world.

Copyright © 2024 | The Sports Mirror