ISL 2015: Three reasons why Kolkata will defeat Chennaiyin tonight

Prediction: Atletico de Kolkata 2-0 Chennaiyin

1. Questionable team selection by Materazzi

Marco Materazzi, Chennaiyin manager, has rotated his squad a lot recently, like a lot of his peers, to deal with fatigue fitness problems which has affected the team.

The trio of Manuele Blasi, Raphael Augusto and Thoi Singh had worked well in the midfield for Chennaiyin, yet Blasi has not featured in the last two games– which have ended in defeats. The Italian provides defensive protection, which the leaky Chennaiyin defence requires at the moment.

The absence of Jayesh Rane in the last three matches remains a mystery as well. The Chennaiyin management has not issued a statement regarding any fitness concerns and the Indian forward has been present on the bench. Rane has been one of the most consistent performers for Chennaiyin. No wonder goals have dried out in his absence.

Materazzi needs to reinstall the partnership of Stiven Mendoza and Jayesh Rane upfront, if they are to carry hopes of winning at the Salt Lake Stadium.

2. Chennaiyin's struggle to score

The Marina Machans have scored just four goals in their last five games, and only two from open play. This is a shocking statistic for a team which possesses the top-scorer, Stiven Mendoza, and the player who has contributed (created or scored) to the most number of goals– Elano.

Chennaiyin are too reliant on these two players to provide the goals with Elano and Mendoza scoring 10 out of their 12 goals. Now with Mendoza having an unproductive patch, Chennaiyin are struggling to find the goals.

Despite a leaky Kolkata defence, Chennaiyin is unlikely to trouble them too much.

3. Reinforcement arrives for Kolkata

Atletico's goal scoring worries are a thing of the past now. Iain Hume is finding the net regularly, while the return of Arata Izumi, who scored a brace on his return against Kerala Blasters, is a massive boost for the side. Manager Antonio Habas opted to start with Valdo in the last game, but Izumi will make it to the starting line-up against Chennaiyin, and that will bring out the best of Hume.

The big news, however, is the possible return of Helder Postiga. The Portuguese striker, who scored a brace against Chennaiyin in the opening game, is likely to feature on the bench in this match. Moreover, the defending champions have also signed Serbian striker Dejan Lekic to add more depth in attack.

The home side will outscore the visitors at the Salt Lake Stadium tonight.