Chennai have been the most consistent side in the tournament and they would start tomorrow's match with a psychological advantage even in front of the vociferous home supporters as they had won both the league matches against Kerala.
The Abhishek Bachchan-owned side ended the first half of the league phase on joint top position with Atletico de Kolkata but took the sole lead quickly and it did not relinquish it for the rest of the season.
Chennaiyin possessed lethal firepower as they have scored the maximum goals -- 24 -- in the league by any side. Kerala, in comparison, have struggled massively with only nine strikes, the lowest among the semi-finalists.
Kerala have been inconsistent throughout the tournament and rode on their defensive solidity into the top four. David James' side conceded just five goals in seven matches in the latter half of the league.
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Kerala, however, will be hoping to maximise their home advantage as their loyal supporters are expected to pack the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium once again tomorrow just like they have been doing in their seven earlier home games.
Chennaiyin lost some of the momentum towards the end of the league stage as they lost twice in their last four matches and managed just one win and that would give Trevor Morgan's players a reason of hope of coming out on top tomorrow.
The return leg of the semifinal will be held in Chennai on December 16.