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The two-time and defending Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC will be looking to land another silverware in their bid to become the first ever ISL outfit to secure three titles in the league. However, it will be tough for the Blues, given how the other sides have strengthened their squads.
John Gregory has been very busy in the transfer market, by bringing in possible replacements and adding necessary players to bolster the roster. Former Skipper Henrique Sereno and star midfielder Bikramjit Singh have been offloaded by the Englishman, with Eli Sabia and Anirudh Thapa being seen as replacements for the Portuguese and Indian internationals respectively.
On the ISL media day, coach John Gregory, with full enthusiasm, said, "Real champions don't just win it once, they go back and win it again the following year and the year after that."
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The whole state is in such anticipation to welcome the champions to Marina Arena once again this season.
In this piece, we shall look at the five reasons why Chennaiyin might retain the title:
#5 PROCURING QUALITY BACKUPS IN THE TRANSFER MARKET
There were high expectations when the Nigerian Jude Nworuh signed for the champions last year. But, he turned out to be an utter disappointment for the Marina Arena faithful, after struggling to play proper second fiddle to the likes of Gregory Nelson and Francis Fernandes.
The Englishman saw this limbo and wasted no time by signing Carlos Salom on a season-long loan for the upcoming season. The Palestine international has played across South America in Argentina and Chile and has a bagful of experience.
Playmakers Jaime Gavilan and Rene Mehelic decided to look elsewhere for a proper game time. This paved way for another Spanish attacking midfielder, Andrea Orlandi to wear the blue shirt after having enjoyed stints at England, Spain, Cyprus, and Italy before. He will play deputy to the Brazilian Raphael Augusto. Former Aizawl defender Laldinliana Renthlei comes in as a replacement for Keenan Almeida, who featured four times for the Blues last season.
#4 RENAISSANCE OF KARANJIT SINGH
Karanjit Singh made his debut for Chennaiyin FC in 2015 against Pune City at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in a 2-1 win. Since then, he has gone on to play 32 games for the Blues. He played second fiddle to Apoula Edel in 2015 and was made the first choice in 2016, following the struggles of the Jamaican Duwayne Kerr to cement a place between the sticks.
The 32-year-old is an exact fit for John Gregory, who plays with a high defensive line to shut down the opposition. He is not exactly a sweeper keeper, but there are very few who could match his shot-stopping abilities in the league. The Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper has a lightning reflex to save shots from close range. He also has the confidence to fist the ball away and catch the ball from set-pieces.
With the same blueprint, the shot-stopper is expected to replicate the exact form to carry the hopes of winning the title again.
#3 COMPETENT FORWARDS
Chennaiyin FC stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation which gives the top four some freedom to roam around and get involved in a flurry of goals. Brazilian Raphael Augusto operates behind 'The Sniper' Jeje Lalpekhlua. Through the flanks, Dutch winger Gregory Nelson and former FC Goa forward Francis Fernandes burst up with pace to feed the striker.
Raphael Augusto is an intelligent attacking midfielder who likes to press high up the pitch and spray the ball to others around him. Francis Fernandes and Gregory Nelson not only contribute with goals and intelligent runs, but also help their full-backs with the defensive work rate to ease their work. Striker Jeje Lalpekhlua is a clinical forward who always has an eye on the goal and proper holdup play to keep possession.
The front four combined to produce 14 goals and 9 assists last season. The numbers might not have crept as expected, but their linkup play will be a treat to watch in the forthcoming season.
#2 SET PIECE THREAT
Chennaiyin FC are the most dangerous side in set-piece situations. The Blues notched up 31 goals throughout the last season, with 11 of them coming from corners and free-kicks last season. With 8 set piece-goals from the league stage alone, John Gregory's men were able to pluck 12 points from the opposition.
New skipper Mailson scored twice against Bengaluru FC in the final, taking his tally to 4 for the last season. Not only the Brazilian is capable of causing disruption from set-pieces, but Dhanpal Ganesh, Eli Sabia, and Raphael Augusto are the other tallest men in the squad to give a headache to the opponents in the upcoming season with their aerial ability. In addition to this triumvirate, striker Jeje Lalpekhlua is another player who has the capability to find the back of the net with headers.
Opponents must take note of Chennaiyin's strength and try to nullify them. Else, the Blues have the ability to cause havoc from set-pieces and change the course of the game within a flash.
#1 PROPER DEFENSIVE ORGANIZATION
Under the management of John Gregory, the Blues did give away only 19 goals in the league stage, which is the third best defensive record, only behind Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC, who conceded 18 goals. This is mainly down to the defensive setup.
The defending champions have lost their important member of the back four - Henrique Sereno, and the integral member of the midfield - Bikramjit Singh. Eli Sabia and Anirudh Thapa must step up their game to fill the void of these superstars who have decided to move elsewhere. Germanpreet Singh and Zohmingliana Ralte are expected to play second fiddle to these two players.
Full-backs Inigo Calderon and Jerry Lalrinzuala provide perfect stability in terms of defense and attack. Tondonba Singh and Laldinliana Renthlei will serve as deputy to these stars who were part of the glory last season.
Newly-named skipper Mailson has a big job in his hands to act as a leader and take care of the backline. With two defensive midfielders shielding the back four, it will be tough for the forwards of the opposition to break down the defense of Chennaiyin FC. It is yet another reason why the Blues will be tough to beat.
