New Delhi: FC Pune City and Chennaiyin FC will be engrossed in an exciting battle in match No. 55 on Friday in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2015, at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Pune
Pune are out of the race for semi-final qualification chances as they lie seventh in the points table and will want to finish the league above neighbours Mumbai City.
The last two games have given us glimpses that the lower placed teams are keen to go out on a high. Kerala drew 3-3 against Delhi, whereas Mumbai sealed a 3-2 victory against Atletico de Kolkata on Friday to bring in some twist in the league.
Chennai need to be wary of the Stallions given that the hosts will be looking to bow out on a high. The visitors need a draw or a win to qualify for the semis in expense of NorthEast United.
The last time Pune and Chennaiyin met, it was a 2-1 win for the latter.
FC Pune City have lost each of their last three games and it looks like they are low on confidence.
Chennaiyin FC meanwhile, are on a very good run and have registered some big wins on the trot. They go in as favourites for the tie. Interestingly Chennaiyin FC have scored 12 goals in their last four matches.
We look at players who could make a major impact in the game for both the teams.
Adrian Mutu (FC Pune): Mutu has been one of the shining lights for the Stallions in their bad spell that has seen them collecting just three points from last seven matches. The Romanian has already scored four goals this term and will want to add to the tally. Mutu is a specialist in free-kicks, and Chennaiyin will need to be wary in not letting him take them from dangerous positions.
Stiven Mendoza (Chennaiyin FC): Mendoza has put Chennai on a position of advantage in this crucial juncture of the season. The classy striker had scored once again on Tuesday against Mumbai City FC to take his season's tally to 11 goals. Alongside Jeje, he has been involved in Chennaiyin's nine goals out of 11 in their last three matches including Tuesday's encounter.
