ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC Predicted XI

Irfan Yadwad and Farukh Choudhary will likely start for Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC have revamped themselves in the January transfer window with key additions to their squad ahead of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season. Clifford Miranda’s side had trouble creating chances and finding the back of the net, both of which they have addressed.

Going into the new season, the Marina Machans mean business. However, a lot would depend on how their players gel and if their new head coach will be able to get the best out of everyone. Here is the probable XI that Chennaiyin FC will play in the 2025-26 ISL season.

Goalkeeper: Mohammad Nawaz

The goalkeeping slot for this season will be a toss-up between Mohammad Nawaz and Samik Mitra once again. The Manipuri shot stopper will likely be part of the starting XI in most of the games.

Nawaz has pulled out some impressive saves for Chennaiyin in his debut season and it has been seen if he can improve his form and keep more clean sheets in this short campaign.

Left back: Vignesh Dakshinamurthy

Vignesh was signed by Chennaiyin FC in the 2024 summer transfer window, however, his progress was halted due to an injury that he picked before the start of his debut campaign. However, now fit, expect the 2021 ISL Shield and Cup winner to be a part of the starting XI over Ankit Mukherjee and Mandar Rao Desai this season.

Centre Back: Eduardo Kau

Chennaiyin FC signed Eduardo Kau in the January transfer window and the player has since joined the squad and is going through the paces. The 27-year-old Brazilian centreback has experience of playing in South America, Europe, and Asia, hence should start in Clifford Miranda’s system.

Centre Back: PC Laldinpuia

Laldinpuia played 21 ISL games for CFC last season, however, he had a mixed campaign, making one few big errors. Clifford Miranda started the 29-year-old in all three AIFF Super Cup games in October and he will likely be getting the nod once again in the ISL.

Right Back: Pritam Kotal

Pritam Kotal can play both as a right back and as a Centre back in place of Laldinipuia. The other right back option for Chennaiyin FC would be Laldinliana Renthei.

The former Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters player got the nod in the AIFF Super Cup and will captain and lead the time in the ISL as well.

Central Defensive Midfielder: Mohammed Bemammer

Mohammed Bemammer was one of NorthEast United’s key personnel in the last two seasons. The Moroccan has a wealth of experience under his belt and this is something that Chennaiyin FC desperately need.

While decisive, Bemammer has the tendency of collecting yellow cards and this is something that Clifford Miranda would have to keep a close eye on as the season progresses.

Central Defensive Midfielder: Lalrinliana Hnamte

One of the few positives at Chennaiyin FC last season was the emergence of Lalrinliana Hnamte. The 22-year-old made quite a few tackles and interceptions throughout the season. However, one thing Hamate needs to improve on is his passing and chance creation rate, both of which were below average last season.

Central Attacking Midfielder: Alberto Noguera

Alberto Noguera is an ISL veteran, having played five seasons in India. The Spaniard scored 5 goals and assisted four times in 26 league games last season at Bengaluru FC, helping his side reach the ISL final.

The 36-year-old will be Chennaiyin FC’s creator in chief and a lot will be riding on his shoulders as the club looks to have a decent season.

Right Winger: Farukh Choudhary

Imran Khan and Farukh Choudhary will be the two players that Clifford Miranda will choose from as his right winger this season. Both can dominate games on their day, but lack consistency.

Having been signed with a lot of fanfare, Farukh has had two forgetful seasons under Owen Coyle, aside from glimpses of brilliance. A chance in management might just be the thing what the 29-year-old needs to revive his career.

Left Winger: Irfan Yadwad

Irfan Yadwad was one of the best players at Chennaiyin FC in the 2024-25 ISL season. The forward scored 5 goals and assisted 4 goals, which also got him a callup for the Indian national football team.

While we have seen a dip in Irfan’s form since June, the player should be starting the games whenever he is fit to play this season.

Centre forward: Inigo Martin

Inigo Martin has been signed by Chennaiyin FC in the January transfer window. The Spaniard joined the club from Georgian club FC Telavi and has joined the pre-season camp with the rest of the squad.

Inigo will have to lace up his shooting boots as CFC’s attack was poor in the Super Cup and they will be looking towards the Spaniard to spearhead their attack this season.

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