
Ludhiana, December 10: Minerva Punjab, who have emerged as the surprise team in the I-League, will host Chennai City FC on their home turf at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana on Monday (December 11).
Minerva Punjab have recorded consecutive victories against Neroca FC and Indian Arrows and a 1-1 draw against Mohun Bagan in their three I-League matches.
Chennai City, on the other hand, haven't start their I-League campaign really well. Firstly, they were beaten by Indian Arrows 0-3, and they then managed to grab a point in a 1-1 draw against newcomers Gokulam Kerala FC.
With seven points in three matches, Minerva head coach Wangkhem Khogen Singh said his team shouldn't get carried away yet.
"We are going for the three points in every game: day in, day out. We won't play loose football. We will follow the same philosophy and play according to our strength," he said.
The Bhutanese sensation Chencho Gyeltshen, who has been the signing of the season so far for Minerva Punjab, said he is looking to add value to his team when asked about his approach for Monday's match.
"Yes, I am definitely looking to score tomorrow. More than that, I love to contribute in terms of assists as well. If anybody is there in a better position than me, then I will play the ball to him," he added.
Chennai City head coach V Soundararajan was asked whether the cold weather conditions in Punjab will affect his team or not.
"We aren't worried too much about the weather. As soon as the players will come on the pitch, they will get warmed up so it doesn't really bother us," he said.
"Minerva Punjab have played really well, they are a strong team. We have analysed their strikers. Our team wasn't settled in the first match against Indian Arrows. The team bonding was missing there but in the second game, we played well. We are here to get 3 points. We will go all out", he added.
Minerva Punjab vs Chennai City FC
I-League
Live from Ludhiana
At 8 pm
On Star Sports 2 and Hotstar
Source: AIFF Media