Chennaiyin FC go into their seventh match of the current Indian Super League season on Wednesday against Mumbai City FC, who are currently second in the ISL 2016 league standings. The defending Indian Super League champions come into the game following a goalless draw against Kerala Blasters in the first South Indian derby of the season.
For the game, Chennaiyin FC coach Marco Materazzi is suspended but that is not expected to be a concern for the team, who are looking for a bright start now as the league has entered its second phase.
The home side could join inaugural champions Atletico de Kolkata at the top of the league table if they win and that will be a motivating factor for them. "My opinion is that the quality of the league has gone up and that's why we have so many draws this year. The table being so close is a sign that the quality is going up," said Materazzi ahead of the game.
"I wouldn't care about winning by two goals at the moment [which could take Chennaiyin to the top of the league on goal difference], we could just win with one goal and try our best to make the semis."
Mumbai City FC, meanwhile, have 11 points from seven games, and could well go atop the standings with a win on Wednesday. "I think all of us start the season thinking of a range of points to get into the top four. But as the games go on, the league shows us that this season to go to the top four maybe we'll need around two or three points fewer [semis qualification points from the last two seasons]," said the away side's coach Alexandre Guimaraes. "We're in the right direction. We're aiming to take points. It's very important to take points."
Guimaraes also praised marquee player Diego Forlan, who has been in a hot form for Mumbai City FC. "When Forlan plays, he usually scores or assists. When he plays, the other teams are more aware and have more focus on dealing with him. When he plays, the TV ratings sky up. When he plays, the stadium turnout is better. When he plays, our players feel better. What else can you ask of a marquee player?" the Costa Rican coach mentioned.
Schedule
Chennaiyin FC vs Mumbai City FC is scheduled to kick off at 7 pm IST (2.30 pm BST) on November 2.
Where to watch live
India: TV - Star Sports 1/HD, Star Sports 2/HD, Star Sports 3/HD.
Star Gold, Star Utsav (Hindi).
Jalsha Movies (Bengali).
Asianet Movies (Malayalam).
Asianet Suvarna Plus (Kannada).
Live streaming - Hotstar.
Europe: TV - Star Gold.
Australia, USA: TV - Fox Sports
Canada: TV - CBN, ATN Bangla
Bangladesh: TV - Channel 9
South-East Asia: TV - Eurosport
