ISL 2017-18: "It will be a good contest," says Chennaiyin FC's Sabir Pasha about upcoming encounter with FC Pune City

In a key match in the Indian Super League, Chennaiyin FC host FC Pune City on Saturday in a clash between second and third in the table. The two teams have established themselves in the top four and at the midway point of the season look good to make the playoffs. They are separated by just one point.

This will be a second consecutive home game for Chennaiyin. However, their last ISL outing ended on a disappointing note as they conceded a late equalizer against bottom-of-the-table Delhi Dynamos to squander two points. A similar end had also marked the end of their home game prior to that, against the Kerala Blasters, resulting in just two points picked up from these games combined instead of six.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Chennaiyin assistant coach Sabir Pasha said that the side was smarting from those setbacks.

"It hurts us," said Pasha. "It hurts the players, but as I said last time it's due to lack of focus. We have to play as a team in those final moments (of a game)."

He said that it's something that the team has looked to address, sounding confident that a repeat of those instances will not be witnessed.

"We have worked on that and the players also understand that. I believe it will not happen in the matches to come. It will not happen," said Pasha.

The former India international believes that tomorrow's crucial encounter against Pune City promises to be a tough encounter as he praised the opponents' offensive capabilities.

"We have been working (on our strategy for the game). We did not have our captain for the last match so we worked on our defence. We know that Pune are strong in attack and have scored goals. They will be very threatening. They are a very good attacking side and will come at us hard. They have a very good forward line," exclaimed Pasha.

He did say that the side is happy to have their captain and key defender, Henrique Sereno, back after he missed the last game due to an automatic suspension for having picked up four yellow cards.

"So it is good that we have Sereno coming back. It will be a good contest - attack vs defence. The best attack versus the best defence."

Chennaiyin have not been bad themselves going forward but have failed to score more and kill off games. They have 15 goals to their name, the fourth-most in the league, just three less than Pune City.

When pointed out, Pasha said it's not that he believed his side to not be good in that area, but just that it was an area of strength for Pune City.

"I never said we are not a good attacking side. We do attack well. Pune are the best team in attack. I don't feel we are weak in any department. We are equally strong in every department but our strength is in our defence," Pasha explained.

"At the same time, we will also see to it that we score goals because ultimately that's going to help us get the three points," he added.

Jeje has scored six goals so far this season, including two, in Chennaiyin's last game [Photo: ISL]

One man who Chennaiyin won't have to worry about is Marcelinho. The man who has been one of the most lethal strikers in the league will miss the game due to suspension. Pasha believes that even without him, Pune City can trouble them.

"Marcelinho is a good player, but unfortunately he is not playing. They have other players who can step up and deliver in his absence. So, I think it's going to be a tough one."

Slovenian Rene Mihelic has been playing as the main attacking midfielder in recent games, chipping in with assists and a goal as well. Raphael Augusto had started the season playing that position though and when asked if Augusto would feature tomorrow, Pasha revealed that it would be the head coach's decision.

"That will be John's (Gregory) decision," Pasha said. "He will be part of the team at some phase. He is an important player for us, no doubt, and he will play a major part in our remaining matches."

Chennaiyin are without any injury concerns, the assistant coach revealed, as he parted saying, "I think we are all fit, really fit. Nothing to worry about."