Odisha FC lock horns with Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Wednesday at the GMC Stadium Bambolim in Goa.
As we move on to Second Round fixtures of the Hero Indian Super League, we have Odisha FC hosting Chennaiyin FC today. Both teams are desperate for wins, and are keeping an eye out on the playoffs berth.
After a pathetic start to the tournament, Odisha FC have looked out their concerns and will be hoping to turn their things around. Lately Baxter’s side is operating well with their tactics and are looking composed after their last encounter . Odisha FC are placed at the bottom of the table with 6 points from 10 games but are unbeaten in their last two fixtures.
On the other hand, Chennaiyin too had a sloppy start to the tournament, despite showing a quality football. Chennaiyin has been faltering in it’s way to convert their chances into goals. Lately this concern has hurt them dearly. The Marina Machans are placed 8th in the standings with 11 points from 10 games. They are winless in their last four fixtures.
Team news- Odisha FC
Odisha FC will miss the likes of Jacob Tratt, due to his suspension on accumulating four yellow cards. There is no concern with regard to any injuries in the team.
KEY PLAYERS: Diego Mauricio, Arshdeep Singh, Jerry.
Deigo Maurico is arguably the best performer of the Kalinga Warriors so far this season. His goal scoring abilties are highly appreciated by the fans.. He has five goals to his name, and leading the charts for Odisha FC this season. Arshdeep Singh, the 22 year old goalkeeper has set his a brand for the ISL this season. This young unsung hero has pulled out some extraordinary saves for Odisha FC and helped them invariably.
Team News- Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC will miss the services of Rafael Crivellaro in the midfield, as the captain is ruled out for the rest of the season. It is expected that Isma is likely to miss out this game owing to fitness concerns.
KEY PLAYERS: Anirudh Thapa, Enes Sipovic, Chaangte
The wonder boy of India has been appointed as the vice-captain of Marina Machans this season, and his magic in the midfield proves to be a detrimental factor for Chennaiyin’s strength. Enes Sipovic, the new signing of Chennaiyin FC lately doing a commendable task at the back collating with Eli Sabia.
Team Lineups and Prediction:
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Arshdeep Singh (GK), Hendry Antonay, Gaurav Bora, Shubham Sarangi, Steven Taylor (C), Cole Alexander, Vinit Rai, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Nandhakumar Sekar, Diego Mauricio, Manuel Onwu
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Vishal Kaith (GK), Reagan Singh, Enes Sipovic, Eli Sabia (C), Jerry Lalrinzuala, , Anirudh Thapa, Edwin, Fatkhulo Fatkhulloev, Memo Moura, Jakub Sylvestr, Lallianzuala Chhangte
Match Prediction:
With new conventions, both teams are confident and are desperate to find a place in the play-off berth. Having played out a goalless draw two days back, the two sides meet again hoping to get the better of the other. Should Csaba Lazlo gets his intent right, then it is expected that it goes all favour for Chennaiyin this time. Missing Tratt on the pitch is a concern for Odisha FC at the moment.
Prediction : Odisha FC 1- Chennaiyin FC 2