The Islanders face the Marina Machans in matchday 71 at the GMC Bambolim Stadium and will look to go 8 points clear at the top of the summit.
Blast from the past:
It was Sergio Lobera’s side who came out on top against Csaba László’s Chennaiyin FC in 2-1 encounter at the same venue earlier this season.
Chennaiyin FC:
The Two time Champions come into this tie following a injury time defeat to ATK MohunBagan and will be pumped up to hit the ground running against the Highlanders. Csaba László has alot of problems to solve on both the ends of the pitch as his side has only scored 10 goals which is lowest in the league and have conceded 13 goals, most of them being scored in the second half. A win against the Islanders will see them come near to the playoff spots.
“It’s not nice to lose a game and especially in the last minute. Also, in the last 10-15 minutes, they [ATK Mohun Bagan] were dominating the game. The spirit of the players at this moment is very down but we have to fight back against Mumbai City which will also be a difficult game,” László said ahead of the game.
Mumbai City FC:
The League leaders Mumbai City FC entended their unbeaten run to 11 games as they won their 9th game of the season against SC East Bengal. A win or draw against Chennaiyin FC will see them equal FC Goa’s record for the longest unbeaten run of 12 matches. The City Football group owned outfit keeps getting better and better with each passing match and haven’t looked back since their first defeat of the season against the Highlanders. The Islanders will come out all guns blazing and will be looking to do the double against the former champions.
“Always, it’s possible to improve. We need to work on some points, for example the last game, especially in the second half. It’s very important for us not to think in the past and you need to know the most important thing for us is the future, the next game. We need to keep improving. We need to compete well in every game and this is my target as a coach.” said Lobera at the Pre-match press conference.
Players to watch out for:
Esmael Goncalves
The Portuguese forward has had a major influence for Chennaiyin FC in the final third and is also their top scorer with 3 strikes to his name. His versatility to play on the wings comes as an add on for Csaba László’s side and if they want to cause an upset to the Islanders, he will need to step up.
Mourtada Fall:
The Senegalese centre back will come into this tie after scoring the winner in his last outing and be no short of confidence. He has been one of the most consistent performers for the Islanders and that is why Mumbai City FC posses the joint best defensive record in the league.
Probable Starting XI:
Chennaiyin FC: Kaith (GK), Reagan, Sabia, Sipovic, Jerry, Tangri, Memo, Ali, Chhangte, Fatkhulloev, Isma.
Mumbai City FC: Amrinder (GK), Ranawade, Santana, Fall, Mandar, Goddard, Borges, Jahouh, Singh, Boumous, Le Fondre