Chennaiyin FC host NorthEast United FC in the 35th match of the Indian Super League this season at the Marina Arena on Wednesday evening.
Both sides are stuck on the same points in the league, but Chennaiyin FC remain higher than their opponents in the sixth position owing to a better goal difference. Neither of them have been able to find a strong footing in the ISL this season so far, and they will be keen on a strong display today.
The hosts come into the game without a win in their previous two games, while the away side has a win in their previous game.
Marquee player Simao Sabrosa has remained the star of the previous games for NorthEast United FC, and the ex-Portugal international is expected to continue that momentum in today's game as well. The other player for the team who has remained an instrumental figure so far is Andre Bikey.
And Cesar Farias has poured praise on the ex-Cameroon international. "He [Bikey] is a great player. He has loads of international experience with Cameroon. He has played in the Premier League, La Liga, Liga Portuguesa and different European leagues and many tournaments with national teams," the Venezuelan coach said.
"He has good character and always plays to win. It's a pleasure to have him in our squad."
Both Bikey and Simao are available for today's game, and that will be a boost for Farias. Indian players Aibor Khongjee, Robin Gurung and Holicharan Narzary will however not be available for the game owing to their national committments.
The pressure, meanwhile, is on Chennaiyin FC coach Marco Materazzi, to give his team that much-needed impetus ahead of today's game. Elano and Stiven Mendoza stole some moments of the ISL this year, but they fell silent following that. And the performance of the duo will be keenly watched again today.
Just three wins from eight games may look a bit worrisome, but Materazzi remains confident of his team making it to the playoffs. "Luckily for us, every match is crucial and can change the standings, because we weren't very consistent. Maybe, it's time to show we still have a chance to get into the play-offs," the ex-Italy defender stated.
While Harmanjot Khabra remains suspended for the game, Karanjit Singh and Jeje Lalpekhlua will also not feature for the side today owing to international duty.
The diwali 2015 clash in the ISL between Chennaiyin FC and NorthEast United FC is scheduled for a 7 pm IST (2.30 pm BST, 9.30 am ET) start.
Where to watch live
India -- Star Sports 2, Star Sports HD2, Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD3, Star Utsav, Star Gold (both Hindi), Asianet Movies (Malayalam), Jaya Max (Tamil), Suvarna TV (Kannada) and Jalsha Movies (Bengali). The live streaming is available onStarsports.com and Hotstar (delayed start).
UK, South East Asia, Singapore, and Hong Kong -- Star Gold.
Canada -- CBN and ATN.
US and Australia -- Fox Sports. The live streaming is available onFoxsoccer2go andFoxtel.
Europe -- Eurosport. The live streaming is available on Eurosport Player.
Middle East and North Africa -- OSN, with live streaming option on OSN Play.
