Defending champs Chennaiyin FC gear up to tame Bengaluru FC in their ISL opener

Chennaiyin had clinched the ISL title last year in style after defeating Bengaluru FC 3-2. (Photo | Chennaiyin FC/Twitter)

Chennaiyin's pre-season has not gone their way as they lost all their four games in Malaysia against Felda United, Malaysia U-19s, Terengganu FC and Malaysian Indian Football Association. (Photo | Chennaiyin FC/Twitter)

Chennaiyin also faced the setback of losing their center-back Henrique Sereno, who was the best player last season. (Photo | Chennaiyin FC/Twitter)

Midfielder Rene Mihelic and forward Bikramjit Singh's departure would also prove costly this season. (Photo | Chennaiyin FC/Twitter)

However, the team have brought in Eli Sabia in place of Sereno, and also drafted in Spanish midfielder Andre Orlandi and Palestinian forward Carlos Salom, who would lend support to Indian striker Jeje Lalpekhua. (Photo | Chennaiyin FC/Twitter)

Chennaiyin FC would also be looking up to their veteran guardian Karanjit Singh to protect their goal this season. (Photo | Chennaiyin FC/Twitter)

The two time ISL champs can definitely draw energy from the support of their loyal supporters 'Supermachans-Chennaiyin FC Fans'. (Photo | Chennaiyin FC/Twitter)