Kerala Blasters FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Strength, Weakness, and player to watch.

by Intern December 22, 2017

Come this Friday, the Southern Derby is here. The enthralling party between arch-rivals Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin FC is here this Friday. Both sides come in to the game with picking up wins in their respective previous encounter. Chennaiyin FC will be looking forward to conquering their second South Indian derby.
Let’s take a look at the key talking points.

Kerala Blasters

CK Vineeth of Kerala Blasters FC in action to score a goal during match 24 of the Hero Indian Super League between Kerala Blasters FC and NorthEast United FC held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, India on the 15th December 2017
Photo by: Faheem Hussain / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Strength

Kerala Blasters FC vs Northeast United FC witnessed the resurgence of Rene Meulensteen’s side. The inclusion of Wes Brown into the squad injected new life to the attack while the defense did their part well. Sandesh Jhingan, and Co. were not the same defense as seen against FC Goa. The defense performed, learning from the inexplicable flaws they had made against FC Goa, and stood indomitable throughout the game. Rene will likely resort to the same strategy he used against Northeast United, and it’ll again provide the defense situation to prove their worth.

Weakness

Kerala Blasters have a good bunch of orchestrators, but they’re unable to dominate the game. Their midfielders are active, and dynamic, but lacks the fine touch, which could entirely twist the tale. Rene will have to bring more order to his midfield, and it is must stand against the buoyant Chennaiyin squad.

Player to watch out.

Rino Anto: Criticized many times for his poor performance, Rino’s performance against Northeast United FC caught the eyes of the fans, and the pundits alike. Rino was lethal in the flanks, stern at the defense. His denying a Northeast United attempt near the post, got the attention of the Indian Football fraternity, and will be looking to resume his stellar performance.

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Chennaiyin FC

Jeje Lalpekhlua of Chennaiyin FC scores for Chennaiyin FC during match 26 of the Hero Indian Super League between Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore, India on the 17th December 2017
Photo by: Ron Gaunt / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Strength

Chennaiyin’s performance against Bengaluru FC helps us evaluate the performance of them. Chennaiyin’s defense stood strong against the buoyant Bengaluru FC attackers after scoring the first goal. Sunil Chhetri, Miku and Co. unleashed lethal attempts, but Inigo Calderon, and partners stood indomitable until Chhetri slotted one past Karanjith Singh

Weakness

Chennaiyin’s weakness is in their midfield. Their midfield is performing fine, but their performance against Bengaluru FC after Jeje’s fine touch, was inferior. Despite Roca starting the eleven not with many usual starters, Bengaluru FC had the dominance, and it was obvious. Sloppy performance from the midfield would’ve counted, had not the defense stood ample and tenacious..

Player to watch out.

Rapheal Augusto : The Brazilian wizard is the linchpin of Gregoy’s squad. He bolsters the attack for the Marina Machans, and his presence has been playing an integral role in their squad. Despite their midfield being quiet for almost all the time against Bengaluru FC, Rapheal Augusto did his job perfectly to launch attacks, as well as to deny some incomings.

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