Synopsis
As the ISL 2024-25 clash approaches, both Chennaiyin FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant face challenges. Chennaiyin struggles with injuries, while Mohun Bagan's forwards seek to convert chances. The match promises excitement as both teams aim to achieve their goals.Key Takeaways
- Chennaiyin FC is facing defensive issues due to injuries.
- Mohun Bagan has the joint-most goals in the league.
- Chennaiyin has not won in their last four matches.
- Both teams have had mixed results in their previous encounters this season.
- Coaches are looking for strategies to overcome their respective challenges.
Chennai, Jan 20 (NationPress) As their respective squads prepare for the pivotal encounter in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, both Chennaiyin FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant face their own challenges. Chennaiyin FC's defense has been disrupted by injuries, while Mohun Bagan's forwards have struggled to capitalize on their opportunities.
As a result, the Marina Machans find themselves in 10th place with 17 points from 16 matches, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant enjoys the top position with 36 points from an equal number of games.
Chennaiyin FC has not secured a win in their last four matches (D2, L2), including back-to-back 2-2 draws, and they aim to break this streak against the Mariners at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The Mariners, who achieved a slim 1-0 win in the earlier encounter on November 30, are targeting their first-ever league double against Chennaiyin FC.
However, Chennaiyin FC has faced defensive challenges this season, recording the joint-fewest clean sheets (2) in the league, alongside Hyderabad FC. They have conceded 27 goals, nine of which have come in their last five matches.
Assistant coach Noel Wilson mentioned that injury issues have impacted their defensive consistency this season.
“This season, we have been dealing with injuries, which has prevented us from fielding the same back-four regularly. Changing the defense frequently can be detrimental, as once the opposition scores, they become more aggressive,” Wilson stated during the pre-match press conference on Monday.
Mohun Bagan has proven formidable in attack, tallying the joint-most goals (31, equal to Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC), with Jamie Maclaren leading the scoring chart with six goals, while Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose, and Jason Cummings have each netted four times.
Despite this, their forwards have not scored as frequently as desired, missing many opportunities.
Head coach Jose Molina dismissed concerns regarding his forwards’ inability to convert scoring opportunities in recent matches.
“I would be concerned if my forwards weren’t getting chances to score. However, that’s not the case. I am confident that the goals will come,” he commented.
The two teams have faced each other nine times this season. Mohun Bagan Super Giant has emerged victorious in four matches, while Chennaiyin FC has secured two wins, with three matches ending in draws.
On Tuesday, both coaches will strive to fulfill their objectives in this significant encounter.
