IPL match preview: Qualifier 1 - Chennai Super Kings v Gujarat Titans

Gujarat and Chennai ended in first and second position, respectively, in the 10-team standings. The winner of this play-off will advance straight to the final. The loser of this match will get a second chance against Lucknow or Mumbai.

The Titans are the reigning champions. They claimed their maiden title in their first season. The Super Kings have won the IPL four times. A fifth title will see them draw level with Mumbai as the most successful team in the history of the tournament.

Chennai have homeground advantage for this play-off. Chepauk has been good to them over the years. The visitors will be hard pressed against the hosts. The captain to win the toss will likely opt to bowl first and chase later.

Both teams have three wins to show for their last four matches. They have plenty of momentum. How captains Hardik Pandya and Mahendra Singh Dhoni fare against each other - particularly tactically - will be interesting.

The Titans have a dominant record over Chennai. They have met three times across their brief history. Gujarat have won on all three occasions.

Shubman Gill has been in masterful form and struck a century against the Royal Challengers Bangalore recently. He is a significant asset at the top of the Gujarat order. Mohammed Shami, with his outright pace, will also be key for the Titans.

Devon Conway is right up there among the leading run-scorers in this season's IPL. The New Zealander isn't a big-hitter, per se, but has terrific timing and shot selection. This could serve him well again in conducive Chennai conditions.

Gujarat, despite playing away from home, have the advantage here - and should have enough in them to outdo the four-time champions. Chennai will get another crack at a final berth later in the week, though.