Jamshedpur FC

The reigning champions are in town! After a horror start to the season, Chennaiyin FC finally showed some signs of renaissance in their 4-2 victory away to Pune. This is the Chennai side's first game after the international break and John Gregory's men will be keen on finally kick-starting their title defence. In their way stand Jamshedpur FC, who also need a positive result to get over a disappointing last game and an injury to a key player in Sergio Cidoncha.

The Marina Machans have so far accumulated just four points from seven games and have had their worst start to a season in their Indian Super League history. But a win in their last match must have lifted the spirits in the Chennaiyin FC camp and a squad that won the title last season cannot be discounted at any cost.

The trusted and veteran duo of Inigo Calderon and Mailson Alves came into their own against the Stallions and the defending pair will be a thorn in the way of the free scoring Jamshedpur FC attackers. With Jeje expected to lead the line for the visitors, Gregory Nelson is expected to start tonight who is another player that can be the difference maker.

Though it is obvious that the champions have a number of match winners in their side, going by their form so far, John Gregory's side is there for the taking. Jeje Lalpekhlua has seriously underperformed so far in the campaign and his barren run in front of goal has affected Chennaiyin FC's attacking output.

The biggest worry that has haunted Chennaiyin FC so far is the absence of midfielder, Dhanpal Ganesh. Without Ganesh, the Marina Machans has lacked the bite in midfield that took them to the summit last campaign. Chennaiyin have dominated possession in the last few games but their midfielders have not provided them an extra dimension going forward.

The team is missing Ganesh and to some extent, Rene Mihelic who joined Delhi Dynamos this summer. It is this area where Jamshedpur FC can take advantage of and with the pairing of Memo - Mario impressing so far, it is expected that the home side will have an upper hand in the midfield department.

Another area where Chennaiyin FC have underperformed is their defence. The shuffle between taking Mailson Alves in and out of the squad has taken it's toll on the side which is evident by the 13 goals conceded by the side so far. Also, the ever dependent Inigo Calderon has looked a bit shaky defensively.

Calderon was tormented by FC Pune City's Ashique on the wings in the last game. Jamshedpur FC's Carlos Calvo and Michael Soosairaj will be up for the challenge to pin Calderon back and target that left flank.

Just as the home side, Chennaiyin FC have also conceded silly goals through unnecessary errors so far in the campaign and tonight's game may well be decided by the defence that steps up to the challenge and command their box against formidable attacks at both the sides.