Chennaiyin FC vs Atletico De Kolkata | 4th November

rudra · November 2014

Big game. two top teams meeting. ATK, after some rest should show some energy, but loss of a few key players maybe a factor.

Chennai, at home, and reasonable rest should probably start as favs against ATK without Fikru.

I will not write much, as @Dhritiman has written this preview.

rudra · November 2014

here's @dhritiman's preview

www.indianfootballnetwork.com/blog/2014/11/04/chennaiyin-fc-vs-atletico-de-kolkata-preview-4th-november/

Hero India Super League table topper Atletico De Kolkata is flying today to meet the Chennaiyin FC at their home. This is going to be the top of the table clash as Atletico de Kolkata has eleven points from five matches and Chennaiyin FC has 9 from 4, meaning if Chennaiyin FC can manage a win they will be at the number one spot.

The match is probably going to be the most important match of the tournament so far. Both the teams have proven themselves in the tournament and have balanced sides.

Atletico de Kolkata got a much needed rest of eight days after drawing with Kerala Blasters FC at Kolkata. They simply played too many games within a short interval and the outcomes were injury to key players, Luis Garcia, Denzil Franco & Biswajit Saha and fatigue for all. Bangladesh captain Mamunul has also injured his hamstring while representing his country. Furthermore, Jackob Podany is still not fully fit.

While the marquee player Luis Garcia has recovered his hamstring injury may start the game, Denzil Franco is ruled out of the tournament with an Anterior Crucial Ligament injury. The dependable left back Biswajit Saha has also recovered from his head injury. Atletico de Kolkata is going to miss their inform striker Fikru due to suspension. May be that will be the most notable absence for Atletico de Kolkata as they are going to face one of the strongest defense of the tournament. But the most relaxed fact for Atletico de Kolkata is their Indian players’ form.

In form Subhasis Roy Choudhury is giving management option to field an extra outfield foreigner. Atletico de Kolkata may field Arnal in place of Fikru and Kingsuk Debnath may take place for Denzil. Baljit Saini and Calvin Lobo are both playing well but Habas may select one of them in the starting eleven. Atletico de Kolkata may field one extra defensive midfielder considering Elano and Mendoza’s run. Atletico de Kolkata’s last practice season gives a hint that they will play with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Due to the heavy rain in Chennai, Atletico de Kolkata may not get another training season before the match.

On the other hand Chennaiyin FC has played one game less so far and don’t have much injury problem. Indian goal keeper Shilton Paul is offering similar option to Marco to field an extra foreign out field players. Chennaiyin FC has the strongest defense among all ISL teams along with two defensive midfielders Denson & Khabra protecting the back four. They will have company of towering Marco Materazzi and superb Elano. Probably Jeje will get another start with Mendoza. If Marco Materazzi doesn’t start the game, Bojan may start. The most probable Chennaiyin FC formation will be 4-2-2-2.

Although heavy rain in Chennai is a concern for the viewers the presence of former Miss Universe and glamorous Indian actress Aishywarya Rai Bachhan’s presence will be a huge boost for Chennaiyin FC fans.

rudra · November 2014

Marco Materazzi

On Atletico de Kolkata

They are a very good side with or without Fikru. We have to show the same team spirit and attitude to win tomorrow. It is a good opportunity for us to overtake them but we first have to focus on a good performance

On if he will start again

I don't know. I will decide tomorrow about the team.

On their style of play

People might think we only play on counter attacks but we have scored many goals so it is not only counter attacks. We have showed quality going forward against Mumbai and will try to repeat that tomorrow.

Jeje Lalpekhlua

On the match

It is going to be a close game. Atletico are a good side so we have to be at our best on all departments. We are all expecting a good turnout.

On bouncing back against Mumbai

It was important to respond immediately after the defeat to Delhi. It was a convincing win for us but more than that, our performance was exceptional so it will give us a lot of confidence for the next game.

On playing with quality foreigners

Some of us still can't believe that Elano and Marco Materazzi are our teammates. When you have such players around it becomes easy to perform. There is a great understanding between the Indians and foreigners.