ISL 2015 semi-final: Chennaiyin FC vs Atletico de Kolkata – Players to watch out for

Iain Hume and Stiven Mendoza will look to light up their side's fortunes respectively.

Iain Hume of Atletico de Kolkata

New Delhi: Chennaiyin FC and Atletico de Kolkata will be engrossed in an exciting battle in match No. 58 on Saturday in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2015, at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Pune.

With Chennai looming under a severe crisis after a hefty spell of rains, the match has been shifted to Pune and the neutral venue will be somewhat equal to both sides. ATK therefore go in the game with an advantage.

Chennai ended up finishing third in the league and will want to strike an advantage in the first leg ahead of a crucial match in Kolkata.

Chennai are in some good form and have won their last four games on the trot. In this process, they have also registered 12 goals.

Interestingly, ATK have beaten Chennaiyin both times this season and will want to repeat a third consecutive victory.

The Eastern giants meanwhile, lost their last league game against Mumbai in a 2-3 thriller. Coach Antonio Habas will want his team to focus on this tie and get back the winning feel once again.

We look at players who could make a major impact in the game for both the teams.

Stiven Mendoza (Chennaiyin FC): Mendoza had put Chennai on a position of advantage during the league games and this time his importance holds a key impetus in this crucial semi-final. The classy striker has scored a whooping 11 goals. Alongside Jeje, he has been involved in Chennaiyin's nine goals in the last four games and their partnesrship will be looked upon by fans closely.

Iain Hume (Atletico de Kolkata): Iain Hume has grown as the season has progressed. The Canadian international has 10 goals and four assists to his name and will be a pivotal figure for the ATK side. Hume’s pace, aerial abilities and work ethic will be matters of concern for Chennaiyin as the defenders need to stay on their toes to prevent him from making inroads.