Kerala Blasters FC will play host to Chennaiyin FC in the second Southern Derby of the 2014 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season on Sunday.
League leaders Chennaiyin FC registered a 2-1 win in the first match between both sides on October 21 [+ match report]. Marco Materazzi’s side will be eager to claim a second derby win against Kerala at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
The match will be a special one for Chennaiyin FC midfielder and former Indian international Naduparambil Pappachen Pradeep who hails from Kerala. “Yes it will be nice to play in my home state but I am just focused on helping Chennaiyin FC claim all three points,” Pradeep told during the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
Asked on the experience of playing with famous international stars, Pradeep said, “It is a good opportunity for all Indian players to learn from foreigners. We get to know how the top players take care of themselves both on and off the pitch. It is just great to be part of the ISL for me.”
Chennaiyin FC are still coping with various injuries to key players. “We have the same injury problems like in the NorthEast United game. We don’t have anybody back,” player-cum-coach Marco Materazzi told.
“Nesta will only be available for the last game in the league stage on December 9,” the former Italy star commented on Chennaiyin’s new signing Alessandro Nesta.
“The morale is still very positive despite the defeat (against NorthEast United) because no matter what we will be in the top two after eleven rounds. So I feel we have a very good chance of reaching the semis and would look for maximum points tomorrow.”
Talking about the incredible crowd in Kerala and their influence, Materazzi said, “I know they enjoy great support here and are unbeaten as well but we are a good team too so we would look to be at our best. Yes, Elano and Mendoza are big misses but Bruno has done well and we have other players also to step up.”
The Kerala Blasters FC v Chennaiyin FC match will kick-off at 19.00 IST.
Follow me on Social Media