Synopsis
Chennaiyin FC is set to clash with Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the ISL 2024-25, as they aim to revive their playoff hopes. Currently struggling in 10th place, Chennaiyin seeks to end their winless streak against the table leaders, who aim for their first league double over them.Key Takeaways
- Chennaiyin FC is currently 10th in the league.
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant leads the table.
- Chennaiyin has not won in four games.
- The two teams have had nine previous ISL encounters.
- Injuries have affected Chennaiyin’s defensive lineup.
Chennai, Jan 20 (NationPress) Chennaiyin FC will take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Tuesday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.
The Marina Machans currently sit in 10th place with 17 points from 16 matches, while the Mariners lead the table with 36 points from the same number of games. Chennaiyin FC has not won in their last four matches (D2, L2), with two consecutive draws ending in 2-2. They will strive to break this winless streak against Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
The Mariners managed a slim 1-0 win in the previous encounter on November 30 and are keen to achieve their first league double over Chennaiyin FC. Remarkably, Mohun Bagan has faced both Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC multiple times in the ISL without securing a league double against either.
This season, Chennaiyin FC has struggled defensively, sharing the record for the joint-fewest clean sheets (2) in the league, tied with Hyderabad FC. They have let in 27 goals, with nine coming in their last five matches. In comparison, the Mariners have been prolific in attack, scoring the joint-most goals (31 – same as Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC), led by Jamie Maclaren with six goals, while Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose, and Jason Cummings have each netted four times.
Coached by Jose Molina, the Mariners may aim to exploit vulnerabilities in the Chennaiyin FC defense, while the home side looks to close the seven-point gap with sixth-placed Mumbai City FC (24) to replicate last season's playoff success.
Chennaiyin FC has conceded multiple goals in their last two home matches – a 2-2 draw against Odisha FC and a 4-2 defeat to Bengaluru FC. The last time they faced a longer streak was between December 2018 and February 2019, when they conceded eight goals over three consecutive home games. They must ensure their defense is at its peak, especially at home.
Assistant coach Noel Wilson disclosed that injuries have hampered their defensive consistency this season.
“Injuries have prevented us from fielding the same back-four consistently. Once the opposition scores, they gain momentum, so we must retain a stable defense,” he stated.
On the other hand, Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina dismissed worries about his forwards not capitalizing on scoring opportunities in recent matches.
“I would be concerned if my attackers weren’t getting chances, but that’s not the case. I am confident the goals will follow,” he remarked.
The two teams have clashed nine times in ISL history, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant winning four matches, Chennaiyin FC claiming two victories, and three encounters ending in draws.
