The nail-biting, ill-tempered thriller that ensued during the Kerala Blasters' 2-1 win against FC Goa promises a lot going forward in the Indian Super League. The drama and the intensity in the contest was everything that the tournament has lacked. With the ISL reaching the business end, will teams adopt a slightly more expansive style and try to unlock defences than holding themselves back?

Chennaiyin, with two wins and two draws from their last four games, are a rejuvenated outfit. Their resurgence started after being humbled by Delhi Dynamos during their home fixture, losing 1-3. Since then, the team has gone back to their basics and Marco Matterazzi's side have prioritised keeping their shape in check, whether in defence or attack – they look closer to the side that cruised to the title last year.

The pedigree-laden coaches yet again have the spotlight on them, just like they did the last time around these two teams squared up against each other. Just like Matterazzi, his World Cup winning teammate, Gianluca Zambrotta has quickly adapted to his new surroundings. However, the early season form of the Dynamos has faded away somewhat, but can still get their top spot back with a win.

Both teams' defences have come for a lot of praise but one man who has stood out across both sides is Dymamos' Anas Edathodika, who has been scintillating in almost every game he has played. With Jeje Lalpekhlua cleverly sneaking his way into dangerous positions, Anas putting in a solid shift will be critical to snatch three points here.

Attack-wise, Chennaiyin seem to have found a good collective rhythm through plenty of contributors, and their smooth transitions can catch oppositions off guard. Raphael Augusto plays such a key role for them here. As for Delhi, Richard Gadze still hasn't proved that his team can bank on him to pump in the goals regularly. It has been their men behind the strikers, such as the nimble-footed Brazilian Marcelinho and Kean Lewis who have made the Dynamos click so far. Chennaiyin, on current form, have a slight edge.

Match Facts

Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Chennai

Capacity: 60,000

Time: 7 pm IST.

Last meeting: Chennaiyin FC 1 - 3 Delhi Dynamos FC, October 6th, 2016, at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Chennai

Head-to-head: Matches played: 5, Chennaiyin wins: 1, Delhi wins: 3, Draws: 1

Key Battles

Anas Edathodika vs Jeje Lalpekhlua:

The Dynamos defender has been immense and his performances has kept his team afloat during many a contest this season. In Jeje, Anas faces a tricky opponent. The Chennaiyin striker has been one of the most improved Indian players in recent times. Jeje's mobility, movement in the box and his opportunism in front of goal will be a constant menace for the Dynamos.

Anas, though, is not a defender who shies away from a duel and is excellent in the air. The threat that Anas, along with the rest of the Dynamos defence face is the unpredictable nature of Jeje's positioning.

Rapahel Augusto vs Florent Malouda

The Frenchman's power when he drives forward with the ball is a worry for Chennaiyin. In Raphael Augusto, he meets his match as the Brazilian is no lightweight himself. Augusto is someone who lends tactical battle to the Chennaiyin midfield, and breaking his game is vital to Dynamos' chances. Malouda will have to more defensive duties to do that the previous few games Dynamos have played so far.

Squads:

Chennaiyin FC: Karanjit Singh, Pawan Kumar, Duwayne Kerr, Bernard Mendy, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Nallappan Mohanraj, Eli Sabia, Eder Monterio, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Abhishek Das, John Arne Riise, Baljit Sahni, Hans Mulder, Manuele Blasi, Thoi Singh, Raphael Augusto, Harmanjot Singh Khabra, Dhanpal Ganesh, Davide Succi, Maurizio Peluso, Bedashwor Singh, Uttam Rai, Jeje Lalpekhlua

Delhi Dynamos FC: Antonio Doblas Santana, Sanjiban Ghosh, Soram Poirei, Ruben Gonzalez Rocha, David Addy, Ibrahima Niasse, Anas Edathodika, Chinglesana Konsham Singh, Lalchhawnkima, Lalruatthara, Rupert Nongrum, Souvik Chakraborty, Florent Malouda, Bruno Augusto Pelissari de Lima, Marcos Tebar, Emerson Gomes de Moura, Denson Devadas, Milan Singh, Malsawmzuala, Richard Gadze, Badara Badji, Arjun Tudu, Marcelo Leite Pereira, Kean Lewis, Amoes Do