INTRODUCTION
Today’s schedule in the Indian Super League intensifies as Chennaiyin FC takes on Mumbai City FC. The match will be played in Bambolim.
BUILD UP
A much needed win for Chennaiyin FC, to keep their playoffs hopes alive. Whereas a win for Mumbai City FC will go down in the history books, as the longest unbeaten run by any team in the history of the league (12 matches) by surpassing Bengaluru’s record of 11. Chennaiyin host Mumbai City after losing to ATKMB by a slender goal line of 1-0, conceding in the dying moments of the game. Whereas Mumbai City see off East Bengal in a 1-0 victory. A win sees Chennai gain one rank higher to 5th position, just behind Hyderabad FC on GD. A win for Mumbai extends their lead to 8 points over the second place.
HEAD TO HEAD
With 26 goals scored in all 13 matches between these teams, the Chennai Franchise has been up with 17 of them. However, there have been some nerve biting matches, in the past. Who can forget the ISL Season 6 upset, caused by Lucian Goian while playing for the Supermachans! The reverse fixture in this season saw Mumbai beat Chennaiyin 2-1.
CFC FORM GUIDE: L-D-W-D-L
MCFC FORM GUIDE: W-W-W-D-W
TEAMS
CHENNAIYIN FC
The departure of Lucian Goian meant a foreign CB signing was on the cards for Chennaiyin, and Enes Sipovic has proved himself good as of yet. Memo’s transfer from Jamshedpur brings in solidity in the midfield. Anirudh Thapa is injured and remains in doubt for the match. Setback, as Rafa is out of the tournament. The replacement in Manu Lanzarote is still serving quarantine isolation.
MUMBAI CITY FC
Signing of Jackichand Singh in the January Transfer Window means a great deal for Sergio Lobera. He is certain to start, as the Right Winger reunites with his former coach. Mandar Rao Dessai faces suspension after collecting his fourth yellow of the season. Santana returns to the squad after serving suspension.
PREDICTED LINE UPS
CHENNAIYIN FC (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Vishal
Defenders: Raegan, Sabia, Sipovic, Jerry
Midfielders: Tangri, Memo, Fatkhulloev, Esma, Chhangte
Forwards: Ali
MUMBAI CITY FC (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Amrinder
Defenders: Amey, Fall, Santana, Vignesh
Midfielders: Borges, Jahouh, Jacki, Boumous, Bipin
Forwards: Adam
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
CHENNAIYIN FC
Memo Moura
With Anirudh Thapa certain to miss out on injury, Memo’s influence becomes more so important. Midfield battle will have a huge say in the match. Keeping majority of the ball against Mumbai, is not impossible, SCEB showed. And Memo will just be wanting to take the game’s control in his hands.
Esmael Goncalves
Esma is lethal in front of goal, and is in good form. Keeping him at bay will be difficult for Mumbai. And as Chennaiyin would go for the win, Esma’s job becomes crucial.
MUMBAI CITY FC
Ahmed Jahouh
The orchestrator will be important in today’s game, as Mumbai look to strengthen the lead. Majority of Mumbai’s goals have come through set pieces, and guess who’s the set piece taker! The eagle’s eye of Jahouh is vital for his team.
Vignesh Dakshinamurthy
Absence of Mandar piles up huge responsibility on the LB. Vignesh has been very impressive this season, and he would be looking to continue his good run. Decent on the overlap, link up with Hugo will be evident come the kick off.
CONCLUSION
Both teams would go for the win, both teams need the win but only the better team should get it. Chennaiyin FC win would take them one place higher, to 5th. Mumbai win, and make a new league record. Much is at stake, to be excited about this encounter.
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