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Chennai Super Kings will be looking for a crucial win when they face Lucknow Super Giants in Match 59 of the Indian Premier League on Friday, May 15.

The hosts LSG are already eliminated and have nothing to lose, but for CSK, it is a must-win contest if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.

LSG vs CSK match preview

LSG’s story this season has been nothing short of a nightmare. With only three wins in 11 matches, they have already been knocked out after losing against the same opponent a couple of days ago at Chepauk. Rishabh Pant’s captaincy has come under heavy scrutiny, with the left-handed wicketkeeper failing to make an impact with both the bat and leadership.

There have been a few positives though. Prince Yadav has been brilliant in the pace department, while Josh Inglis has emerged as a major positive. The Australian played a superb knock in the previous game. LSG will now be looking to sort out plans and strategies for next year’s auction.

CSK are heading into this clash on the back of three straight wins and are high on confidence. However, the side suffered a major setback ahead of this crucial fixture as Jamie Overton returned to the England after suffering a thigh injury.

Still, they have enough quality left. Sanju Samson needs to step up on this big occasion. He has handled pressure situations before and will be key again. In the bowling department, Anshul Kamboj has been impressive, as has Noor Ahmad. The bowlers will also enjoy the bigger boundaries in Lucknow.

LSG vs CSK head-to-head record

Matches Played: 7
Lucknow Super Giants Won: 3
Chennai Super Kings Won: 3
No Result: 1

LSG vs CSK key players

Josh Inglis - Inglis delivered a real hammering to CSK bowlers in the previous game with his 85-run knock off just 33 deliveries. The Australian batter, who returned to the IPL before this season, will once again be expected to make a strong statement.

Ruturaj Gaikwad - CSK skipper despite a slow start to the season, has played several valuable innings at the top. He has often played the anchor role among CSK’s aggressive top order and will once again be central to their chances.

Prince Yadav - Prince has taken 16 wickets this season at an economy of around 8. The youngster has impressed with his seam movement and consistent line and length.

Anshul Kamboj - Anshul has fetched 19 wickets in 11 matches, though his economy has been a concern. The right-arm pacer will need to improve his execution at the death, especially in the absence of Jamie Overton.

LSG vs CSK predicted playing XIs

CSK: Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary

Impact Player: Gurjapneet Singh

LSG: Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, Aiden Markram, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prince Yadav

Impact Player: Avesh Khan

LSG vs CSK match prediction

Lucknow have been poor at home, winning just one match so far. With no pressure on them now, they can play freely and will look to spoil CSK’s playoff push while taking revenge for the recent defeat.

CSK, meanwhile, have looked strong in recent games. With Lucknow’s surface often assisting bowlers, they may have found ideal conditions in the northern part of the country.

Prediction: Chennai Super Kings to win the match.

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