ISL 2023-24: Bengaluru FC vs Chennaiyin FC: Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details

This will be the first clash between Gerard Zaragoza and Owen Coyle.

There’s no place like home, especially for Bengaluru FC as they brace themselves to take on their Southern rivals in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 showdown. Both the southern giants who were once flag bearers of top half of the ISL find themselves lying in the bottom half. During the break, BFC fortified their ranks with two stellar acquisitions, Nikhil Poojary and Chinglensana Singh, injecting fresh vigor into their squad. 

Bengaluru’s journey thus far has been marred by disappointment, with a recent loss to ISL newcomers Punjab FC casting a shadow over their aspirations, relegating them to a desolate 11th spot on the points table. Likewise, Chennaiyin FC nestled uncomfortably in 9th place with a modest tally of 12 points, shares in the turmoil, facing their own set of challenges amidst the tempestuous ISL seas.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC’s campaign in the ISL 2023-24 season has been far from smooth sailing, as they find themselves grappling with a string of disappointing results. The recent loss to ISL newcomers Punjab FC in Delhi only added to their woes, pushing them down to the 11th spot on the points table. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Bengaluru FC faces immense pressure to turn their fortunes around in the remaining fixtures. 

The upcoming clash against Southern rivals Chennaiyin FC presents a crucial opportunity for them to reignite their season and mount a comeback. With nine matches left to play, each encounter becomes pivotal in their quest to salvage their campaign and secure a coveted playoff berth. Manager Gerard Zaragoza’s decision to field new signings Nikhil Poojary and Chinglensana Singh underscores the urgency for Bengaluru FC to deliver results and revive their championship aspirations.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC finds themselves in a similar predicament as their upcoming opponents, Bengaluru FC, as they strive to overcome a lackluster start to their ISL 2023-24 campaign. Positioned 9th on the league table with 12 points, the Marina Machans have struggled to find consistency and assert themselves as contenders in the competition. Despite boasting a talented squad, Chennaiyin FC has faltered in crucial moments, failing to capitalize on opportunities to climb up the standings.

As they gear up to face Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC understands the importance of securing a positive result to reignite their season and propel themselves back into contention for a playoff spot. The match presents a chance for key players to step up and showcase their abilities, as Chennaiyin FC aims to rediscover their winning form and embark on a resurgence in the league.

Injury and Team News

Both teams will have a full strength squad for the encounter.

Head-to-Head

In the 15 encounters Bengaluru FC have won 7 times while Chennaiyin FC have won 4 times while 4 games ended in a draw.

Predicted Lineups

Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu; Nikhil Poojary, Chinglensana Singh, Aleksandar Jovanovic,  Naorem Roshan Singh; Rohit Kumar, Suresh Singh Wangjam; Ryan Williams, Javi Hernandez,  Sunil Chhetri; Oliver Drost

Chennaiyin FC: Debjit Majumder; Bikash Yumnam, Ryan Edwards, Lazar Cirkovic, Sarthak Golui; Rafael Crivellaro, Jiteshwor Singh, Ayush Adhikari; Rahim Ali, Connor Shields, Ninthoinganba Meetei

Players to watch

Nikhil Poojary (Bengaluru FC):

The Mangalore-born defender is set to make his debut start for the Blues, with all eyes on him to bring luck to the JSW-owned side and bolster their defense and is also expected to help out in attack with pin-point  crosses.

Connor Shields (Chennaiyin FC): 

The 26-year-old forward arrived at Chennaiyin FC with high expectations, yet he has struggled to make a significant impact so far. Shields will be eager to make his mark and contribute to his team’s success in the upcoming match. 

Did You Know?

• Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC both are former ISL champions.
• This will be the first clash between Gerard Zaragoza and Owen Coyle.
• Owen Coyle’s Burnley side once defeated Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in the 2011-12 EPL season.

Telecast

The Bengaluru FC vs Chennaiyin FC game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru  on February 7th, 2024. Live telecast of the fixture will be available on the Sports18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 channel). Live streaming of the game will be available on the JioCinema app. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game.

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