Csaba Laszlo’s Chennaiyin FC takes on Stuart Baxter’s Odisha FC in search of first Bambolim win. Eighth-placed Chennaiyin FC to host Odisha FC at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim in in the Wednesday evening kick off of the Indian Super League.
Having drawn three and lost three games at the venue, Chennaiyin will be hoping for a change in fortune against Stuart Baxter’s men in the reverse fixture. Furthermore, Laszlo’s side needs to cope with the absence of captain Rafael Crivellaro, as the Brazilian playmaker has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
In a statement by the club on last Saturday, it was announced that the injury sustained by Crivellaro from Pronay Halder’s tackle in the game against ATK Mohun Bagan on December 29, 2020 was ligamentous in nature to the CFC No. 10’s left ankle, meaning he will be ruled out for at least two months. As a replacement, Chennaiyin FC has roped into spanish star, Manuel Lanzarote. In terms of other team news, Laszlo did not report any further injuries or omissions. The Gaffer will be solely hoping on his two-man forward line of Isma Goncalves and Jakub Sylvestr. Odisha will be buoyed coming into this one, after registering their first win of the season following a 4-2 thumping victory on Kerala Blasters on January 7 and then, tied with Chennaiyin FC three days back. Odisha FC’s Brazilian striker Diego Mauricio was on target twice on January 7th’s night, and he will be a serious threat that his compatriot Eli Sabia along with Bosnian Enes Sipovic will want to keep quiet on Wednesday. Odisha FC have a positive mindset after their first victory of the season and this positive attitude may pester the away side.
Also, captain Steven Taylor will be boosting up the players’ morale to bounce-back in the season as they eye on their second victory of the season. In Crivellaro’s absence, it will be vital to see how Laszlo lines up his midfield and adapts to Odisha’s challenge. A key performer will be Indian international Anirudh Thapa, who reached a momentous milestone in the last game. His last appearance against Odisha marked his 77th appearance in all competitions for Chennaiyin, taking him past Jeje Lalpekhlua as the club’s highest appearance-maker. In that case, Thapa will be hoping to mark his first appearance after making the milestone with a memorable display and positive result.
Hero Indian Super League 2020-21; Match 57: Chennaiyin FC v Odisha FC
Date: Monday January 13, 2021
Venue: GMC Stadium, Bambolim
Kick-Off: 5:00 PM onwards
Live on TV: Star Sports Network
Live on Digital: Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV