Preview: Chennaiyin FC, FC Goa aim to keep momentum going

The Marina Machans couldn't defeat the Gaurs last season.

Chennaiyin FC will be playing their second home game and the third game overall against an in-form FC Goa who will come into this encounter after a win against East Bengal. The last time the two teams met at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was way back in the ISL 2019-20 semi-finals when Chennaiyin won (4-1) in the home leg. On October 21, whichever of these two teams win, will go to the top of the table.

Let's look at what the clash has to offer.

The Stakes

Chennaiyin FC

The home side has started the ISL season 9 on a positive note winning and drawing an encounter each. In both games, Chennaiyin FC was trailing and made a positive and aggressive approach to turn the tables. Unlike the other two seasons, Chennaiyin has shown positive signs in attack and in the last encounter against a strong Bengaluru FC side, they registered more shots on target showing great improvement.

FC Goa

FC Goa has started the season on a positive note winning an away game against East Bengal. Brandon Fernandes is looking in great form. Also, Alvaro Vazquez played the attacking role well after changing base from Kerala Blasters. The Gaurs are playing back-to-back away games and winning these will boost their performance going into the home games which are scheduled later.

Team News

FC Goa has no injury issues and the squad is fully fit while for Chennaiyin FC Devansh Dabas will replace Debjit Majumder who is suspended due to his red card. Alexander Romario Jesuraj and Vincy Baretto are both back to training after an injury.

Head-to-Head

FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC have faced each other 21 times in the Indian Super League out of which Goa has won 11 whereas Chennaiyin FC has come out victorious on eight occasions with two matches ending in a draw.

Probable Line-ups

Chennaiyin FC: Devansh Dabas (GK), Ajith Kumar, Vafa Hakhamaneshi, Fallou Diagne, Narayan Das, Prasanth K, Jiteshwor Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Julius Duker, Rahim Ali, Petar Sliskovic.

FC Goa: Dheeraj Singh (GK), Seriton Fernandes, Anwar Ali, Marc Valiente, Aiban Dohling, Redeem Tlang, Edu Bedia, Brandon Fernandes, Glan Martins, Iker Guarrotxena, Alvaro Vazquez.

Man to Watch

Julius Duker (Chennaiyin FC)

Julius Duker has played well in the first two matches, against ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC. Playing in the midfield, the German player has been efficient in both defensive and offensive duties. Duker has made major contributions to the defence making eight interceptions, four clearances, and three blocks. His presence has enabled captain Anirudh Thapa to move forward freely without having to concentrate more on the defensive third.

Edu Bedia (FC Goa)

Edu Bedia scored the winner against East Bengal in the first ISL game. The Spanish midfielder looked lethal in the corner kicks and was also about to score an “Olympic” goal which was ultimately saved by Kamaljit SIngh. The 33-year-old will play a major role in solidifying the midfield and help disseminate balls to the forwards as well.

Did You Know?

• Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa on average have scored 3.76 goals per match which are the highest among any two teams in the ISL.
• Last season FC Goa defeated Chennaiyin FC on both occasions, 1-0 and 5-0.
• At 39, Carlos Pena is the youngest head coach in the ISL 2022-23.

Telecast

The match between Chenniayin FC and FC Goa will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai on October 21. The kick-off time is 7:30 pm IST. The fixture will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also live stream the match.