Durand Cup 2022 preview: Mumbai City, Chennaiyin FC clash for semifinal berth

Both teams face each other for the first time outside the ISL.

Mumbai City FC will be up against Chennaiyin FC in the third quarterfinal match of Durand Cup 2022. The Islanders topped their group with two wins from three, while Chennayin FC was, the last team to book their quarter-final spot. It is the first time the Islanders and Marina Machans, two ISL heavyweights, will face each other outside the Indian Super League.

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City FC have looked solid and would relish their chances against the Marina Machans in the Quarterfinals. Having completed a move from Chennaiyin FC to Mumbai City, Chhangte chipped in with five goals becoming the top scorer in the group stages.

New signing Greg Stewert has scored three goals. With a star-studded lineup, Mumbai City FC will definitely be the favourites.

Chennayin FC

The Marina Machans defeated Neroca FC 2-0 in their final group match to qualify for the quarter-finals from Group C. Captain Anirudh Thapa is now back on his own. Edwin Vanaspaul, Julius Duker, and Sliskovic have also found their scoring boots. Thomas Brdaric's team looks better side throughout. They have some game-changing strategies with the strong midfield and active and aggressive forward line.

Team news

Both teams will have a fully fit Squad for the upcoming quarterfinal match. Mumbai City FC coach Des Buckingham has confirmed that are Mourtada Fall and Rowlin Borges are in contention to play tomorrow.

Head-to-head

Previously the Islanders and Marina Machans faced each other on 16 occasions in ISL and it has remained neck and neck with Mumbai City FC claiming seven wins while Chennayin managing six. This is the first time that the teams will face each other in Durand Cup.

Probable Line-ups

Mumbai City FC: Phurba Lachenpa (GK); Mehtab Singh, Amey Ranawade, Rostyn Griffiths, Vignesh Dakhinamurthy; Vikram Pratap Singh, , Vinit Rai, Ahmed Jahouh, Bipin Singh; Greg Stewert, Jorge Pereyra Diaz

Chennayin FC: Debjit Majumder (GK); Akash Sangwan, Fallou Diagne, Narayan Das, Ajith Kumar; Julius Duker, Edwin Vanaspaul, Jockson Dhas, Anirudh Thapa, Peter Sliskovic, Jiteshwor Singh.

Men to watch

Lallianzuala Chhangte

The 25-year-old left winger and attacking midfielder is the highest scorer in Durand Cup 2022. With five goals in four games, which includes two brilliant braces, Chhangte has hit top gear early in the season.

Petar Sliskovic

Croatian forward Sliskovic scored one of the fastest goals in the Durand Cup against TRAU FC. He struck a brace in that match to earn the first victory for the Marina Machans in the group stages. Sliskovic made his professional debut for the FSV Mainz in the German Bundesliga in 2011.

Having played in top German clubs with different players he has some great experiences to deliver enthralling performances in Indian Football.

Did you know?

• Mumbai City FC is the second Indian club after FC Goa to feature in the AFC Champions League. They are also the first ever Indian club to win an ACL match.
• Chennaiyin FC striker Kwame Karkari scored thrice in 15 appearances in the UEFA Europa League.

Telecast

The Durand Cup 2022 Quarterfinal match between Mumbai City and Chennaiyin FC will take place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium). The match will kick off at 6 PM. The game will be broadcasted on the Sports 18 network. It will be telecasted on Sports 18 1 SD & HD as well as Sports 18 Khel (Hindi commentary). It will also be streamed on Jio Tv & Voot.