Match 30 of ISL 2017/18 will see Chennaiyin FC take on Kerala Blasters in the original Southern Derby of ISL. Both teams are coming on the back of a win and will look to extend their winning runs.
Goalkeeper
Paul Rachubka: The former Manchester United goalkeeper has played a huge part in helping Kerala keep 3 clean sheets so far. He has made vital saves and proved to be a reliable last line of defence. Only Subrata Paul has made more saves than Rachubka in ISL 2017/18.
Defenders
Lakic Pesic: Lakic Pesic has been Kerala Blasters' standout defender so far, impressing with his positional sense and distribution from the back. Lakic Pesic has attempted 236 passes, the most by a Kerala Blasters player.
Rino Anto: Anto has already provided 2 assists with pin-point crosses, his 2 assists are the most by a defender in ISL 2017. The Thrissur-born right-back has been strong defensively and has also impressed going forward. Kerala’s strong defensive record means Anto has the potential to earn points at both ends.
Inigo Calderon: Inigo Calderon has already scored 2 goals for Chennaiyin FC and is the top scoring defender in ISL 2017 so far. Despite his age he has run up and down the wing. The former Brighton man has made 12 tackles, the most by a Chennaiyin FC defender. He has also attempted 2nd most passes by a Chennaiyin FC player.
Sereno: Sereno has already scored once and also assisted once. He has also played a big role in Chennaiyin FC’s run of 2 clean sheets so far. The Super Machans captain’s aerial prowess means he is also a threat in the opposition box and can contribute both defensively and attackingly.
Midfielders
Augusto: Augusto has not been at his best recently, but the Brazilian has the quality to make the difference. Augusto has proven his all-round skills, shining for Chennaiyin FC both offensively and defensively. He has attempted 233 passes, most by a Chennaiyin FC player. The Brazilian has also contributed defensively as evident by his tally of 16 attempted tackles, which is joint-most by a Chennaiyin FC player.
Jackichand Singh: Jackichand has impressed in the last few matches with his pace, trickery and work rate. He has scored and assisted a goal each. The 25-year old has created numerous opportunities for his teammates and is also a threat by himself.
Vineeth: Last season’s highest Indian goal scorer scored his first goal of the season helping Kerala Blasters record their first win of ISL 2017/18. Vineeth displayed the pace, clever movement and finishing he is known for. Given how crucial he is for Kerala Blasters hope his return to goal scoring return will boost Kerala Blasters in the matches to come.
Nelson: Nelson has made a positive impact impressing with his energy, pace and direct running, he has been a regular for Chennaiyin FC on the flanks. The 29-year old has a chance to score his first goal of the season against a Kerala Blasters team which conceded 5 goals in their last away match.
Forwards
Mark Sifneos: Sifneos is Kerala Blasters' top scorer with 2 goals in 3 starts so far. The Dutchman has impressed with his pace and clever movement. Given Kerala Blasters' recent improvement going forward, Sifneos has a good chance of adding to his 2 goals so far.
Jeje: Jeje once again scored against Bengaluru FC, opening the scoring. He has now scored 3 goals and is Chennaiyin FC’s top scorer in ISL 2017/18. The 26-year old’s tally of 9 shots is also the most by a Chennaiyin FC player.