JOIN USWith 24 points to their tally at the top of points table, Mumbai Indians are virtually assured of a semifinal berth and Sachin Tendulkar's men would, therefore, be looking to consolidate their position at the top tomorrow.
Chennai, on the other hand, need to win three more ties from the remaining five league encounters to have hopes of reaching the semifinals.
Tendulkar's consistent batting has ensured Mumbai's win in eight out of nine matches so far, their only loss coming against Royal Challengers Bangalore.Mumbai's morale is high and team's confidence can be judged from the fact that they are yet to give a chance to big-hitters like Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya and South African Jean-Paul Duminy.
Chennai, meanwhile, have been boosted by the arrival of Australian imports Mike Hussey and Doug Bollinger. While Hussey has lent depth to their batting, Bollinger's pace has added zing to their bowling.
But to rope in Hussey in the side, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni faces the tough choice of having to drop either Matthew Hayden or Albie Morkel.Dhoni's own form would be a cause of concern for him. He hasn't quite lived up to the expectations and was dismissed for a duck against Rajasthan in the last match.
There is also a question mark over his fitness, which has only compunded Dhoni's troubles.
Given this, Mumbai have a clear edge as their top order batsmen have been doing well. Incidentally, Tendulkar considers Chepauk as one of his favourite venues in the world and going by his form, he is likely to enthrall his fans tomorrow.
Tendulkar led from the front in the two teams' first meeting this year in Mumbai with an elegant 72 that guided Mumbai to a deserving win.