The runner-ups of the last edition, Chennai, faces Sunil Chhetri’s Bengaluru in the Friday clash of Indian Football League 2020-21. Both sides witnessed a goalless draw in their previous encounters against Kerala and Hyderabad, respectively.
Match Timings: Dec 04, 7:30 PM IST
Team Preview
Chennai started high with a 2-1 victory against Jamshedpur but shared the spoil next against Kerala. The double first-half strikes from Anirudh Thapa and Goncalves did the half work for Csaba Laszlo’s side despite Valskis’ goal in the second half. Laszlo replaced last season’s manager Coyelo who took Blues to two silverware titles last season.
In its second game of the season, Chennai dropped two points. The first half ended with no scoring, and in the second half, both sides tried to break the deadlock. The Blues got an opportunity as they were awarded a penalty, but Albino Gomes saved Jakub Sylvester's penalty. Albino Gomes become a prominent survivor for the Yellows as the goalkeeper made some crucial saves to deny Chennai score any goal. In the first half, Vishal Kaith also made a vital save from a Rohik Kumar long ranger. Esmael Goncalves and Jakub Sylvestr didn’t replicate their form in the game and missed some easy sitters. Csaba Laszlo’s men failed to live up to the same expectations after the win against Jamshedpur.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru also had the same story with playing yet another draw this season. The previous draw put more questions on their approach as it was a goalless draw, and Bengaluru failed to convert absolute clear chances. In the first game, Cleiton Silva and Juanan produced a 2-0 lead for Bengaluru, but Igor Angulo scored a brace for the Nizams in a margin of just four minutes.
Carles Cuadrat’s men have been regarded as the best defensive unit, but it failed to show the last season’s intent. They have the best Indian forward line, but the repetitive show hurt Cuadrat. Cleiton Silva, who scored the goal against Goa, failed to convert good opportunities against Hyderabad. The skipper is not in good form, which is a big reason for Bengaluru’s poor show and Udanta has also provided poor crosses in both games. The upcoming matches can give Bengaluru a big headache.
Both sides had a tight record in head-to-head as Chennai and Bengaluru both have won three matches each. In 2019-20, Bengaluru ran out winners 3-0 in first-leg, and in February, Chennai held them for a goalless draw.
Possible Lineups & Current Form
Chennai
Vishal Kaith; Reagan Singh, Eli Sabia, Sipovic, Lalrinzuala; Sydney Vanspaul, Thapa; Goncalves, Crivellaro, Chhangte; Sylvestr
Current Form: D W
Previous outing: goalless draw with Kerala
Bengaluru
Lineup: Gurpreet Singh; Bheke, Fran Gonzalez, Juanan Gonzalez, Kuruniyan; Paartalu, Wangjam; Udanta, Cleiton Silva, Sunil Chhetri; Kristian Opseth
Current form – D D
Previous outing: goalless draw with Hyderabad
Key Players
Chennai
Lallianzuala Chhangte
7 goals in Indian Football League 2019-20
Anirudh Thapa
1 goal & 6 assists in Indian Football League 2019-20
1 goal in Indian Football League 2020-21
Bengaluru
Sunil Chhetri
9 goals in Indian Football League 2019-20
Cleiton Silva
1 goal in Indian Football League 2020-21
