Preview: Chennaiyin FC, East Bengal battle for pride

Both teams are virtually out of the top six race.

Chennaiyin FC and East Bengal are set to meet in an ISL 2022-23 fixture in Chennai on Sunday. Both teams virtually do not have a chance to qualify for the playoffs. Still, the teams will be playing for pride. The sides will also like to finish their disappointing season on a high by winning as many games as possible at the tail-end of the campaign.

Chennaiyin FC are currently on an eight-game winless run. Their last win came against NorthEast United in December. In their previous outing, the Marina Machans were defeated by Kerala Blasters by a margin of 2-1. East Bengal, on the other hand, won their last-to-last game by defeating the same opponents 1-0. However, they could not continue their form and managed to secure only a draw, their first of the season, against NorthEast United in their last game. It was an enthralling 3-3 scoreline in Kolkata.

On the back of such developments, let us take a look at what the game has to offer.

The Stakes

Chennaiyin FC

With the chances of qualifying for the playoffs virtually over, Chennaiyin FC will play for pride. They would like to finish above East Bengal and other lower-placed teams by the end of the season. For doing that, a win on Sunday is of paramount importance for the side from Chennai. Playing at home and with almost nothing to lose, there is no doubt that the team will go all-out for a win.

Chennaiyin FC are currently placed eighth on the points table with 18 points from 17 games. They are just above East Bengal. A win will take them to 21 points, which will not affect the table in any manner.

East Bengal

The situation is quite similar for East Bengal as well. Their chances of qualifying for the playoffs are virtually over too! Thus, the Red & Gold Brigade will also be playing for pride. The side would be keen to provide some respite to its fans at the end of the season by getting as many points as possible to finish in a respectable position on the points table. With only a few games left, the Kolkata Giants would like to get a win in Chennai on Sunday.

East Bengal are in ninth place with 16 points from 17 games. A win will take them to 19 points and above Chennnaiyin to the eighth spot.

Injury & Team News

For East Bengal, Mobashir Rahman and VP Suhair will return after serving their suspensions. Chennaiyin FC might see Ajith Kumar starting the game.

Head-to-Head

Chennaiyin FC and East Bengal have played five games against each other in ISL.

Chennaiyin FC – 1

East Bengal – 0

Drawn – 4

Predicted Line-ups

Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1)

Samik Mitra (GK); Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, Vafa Hakhamaneshi, Gurmukh Singh, Akash Sangwan; Anirudh Thapa, Julius Düker; Ninthoi Meetei, Nasser El Khayati, Vincy Barretto; Petar Slišković

East Bengal (4-4-2)

Kamaljit Singh (GK); Mohamad Rakip, Lalchungnunga, Charalambos Kyriakou, Jerry Lalrinzuala; VP Suhair, Mobashir Rahman, Alex Lima, Naorem Mahesh Singh; Jake Jervis, Cleiton Silva

Player to Watch

Nasser El Khayati (Chennaiyin FC)

Abdenasser El Khayati has been a revelation for Chennaiyin FC. He oozes quality every time he is on the ball. His calm demeanour and high-quality gameplay make him an instinctive striker who appears to be scoring on will. He is currently the highest goal scorer for Chennaiyin with nine goals from 10 games. He scored in Chennaiyin's last two games. Coming Sunday, playing at home, he would like to continue his scoring run and add at least another goal to his tally.

Cleiton Silva (East Bengal)

Cleiton Silva is again the highest goal scorer in the league with 12 goals from 17 games. He has been in scintillating form throughout the league season. In their last game, the ace striker scored a brace and his first goal from a header. On Sunday, the Red & Golds fans will again have their eyes on the veteran striker to see if he can conjure up some magic yet again to take the team to the finishing line.

Did You Know?

• East Bengal are yet to defeat Chennaiyin FC.
• Chennaiyin's 1-0 victory over East Bengal in the reverse fixture was the first time a fixture between these two sides did not end in a draw.
• East Bengal's draw against NorthEast United was their first of the season.

Telecast

The match between Chennaiyin FC and East Bengal will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, on February 12 (Sunday). The kick-off time is at 7:30 pm IST. The match will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match.