After a second consecutive poor finish last year, FC Pune City rung in the changes but the results continue to remain the same. Last year, their star-studded team got off to a flying start but collapsed dramatically during the business end of the season.

With marquee player Eidur Gudjohnsen ruling himself out before a ball was kicked in this season, Pune, yet again, found themselves shuffling things around in attack. With one win, one draw, and two losses, they have not really got themselves going, and Chennaiyin FC, after a poor start, come into this fixture after registering two wins on the bounce.

The reigning champions have a settled team and in Marco Materazzi, have a coach who has studied the league closely whilst imposing his own brand of football, which has yielded excellent results.

Even with Antonio Habas, who was viewed as a coach who can do no wrong in the league, is struggling to find his best team. Here again, it is the bevy of changes that was made during the transfer window that is affecting the team's progress.

Chennaiyin welcome the return of Thoi Singh, who played such a crucial role in their title-winning campaign last year. Singh's boundless energy and his ability to shuttle between the centre of the park and help out his strikers is unmatched. Raphael Augusto, though, has been a revelation so far.

It is about time Dramane Traore gets his scoring boots on for Pune. The Mali striker has been culpable of missing several good chances in the games that he has featured so far.Despite playing away from home, Chennayin look too settled a side to lose this contest.

Match facts

Venue: Balewadi Stadium, Pune

Capacity: 9,100

Time: 7 pm IST

Last meeting: FC Pune City 0-1 Chennaiyin FC, Balewadi Stadium, December 5 2015

Head-to-head: Matches: 4, Pune wins 0, Chennai wins: 3

Key Battles

Rafael Augusto vs Mohamed Sissoko

Chenniayin had their backs facing the wall after their first few matches, and the team was crying out for more personality. That was when Raphael Augusto came to the party and he has been instrumental in his side registering back-to-back wins.

The Pune outfit has reeked of a lack of accountability across the pitch. However, Mohamed Sissoko has made a solid start and has scored a goal too. Both players have similar styles, although Sissoko operates in a slightly deeper position. The Pune skipper needs to be at the top of his game to keep the hard-running Brazilian quiet.

Gourmangi Singh vs Jayesh Rane

Jayesh Rane has cemented his place in Chennaiyin FC because of the boundless energy he brings. Stepping into the shoes of Jeje Lalpeklua was always a tall order but Rane has been commendable, be it stretching play on the left flank or getting inside the box and getting into goal-scoring positions. He has also supported his forward line well.

For Gourmangi Singh, it is an encouraging sign that he has been used consistently by Habas. The 30-year-old defender faces old team, where clocked only 11 appearances across two seasons.

Expected lineups:

FC Pune City: Edel; Gourmangi Singh, Augustin Fernandes, Eduardo Ferreria; Rahul Bheke, Lenny Rodrigues, Mohamed Sissoko, Narayan Das; Jonathan Lucca, Jesus Tato, Dramane Traore.

Chennaiyin FC: Karanjit Singh; Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Eli Sabia, John Arne Riise, Jerry Lalrinzuala; Hans Mulder, Manuele Blasi, Rafael Augusto; Thoi Singh, Davide Succi, Jayesh Rane.