Mumbai City FC take on Chennaiyin FC at home to kick off ISL 2025-26

Chennaiyin FC have not beaten Mumbai City since February 2020.

The Mumbai Football Arena will host its first Indian Super League 2025-26 (ISL 2025-26) match on Thursday as Mumbai City welcome Chennaiyin FC to the City of Dreams.

Both sides have new faces in their roster as they look to start their respective campaigns with three important points.

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City have retained the services of Petr Kratky, who led them to a sixth-placed finish in the ISL last season. However, the Islanders have seen the departure of City Football Group, who helped power their ISL winning campaigns in 2020-21 and 2023-24.

While MCFC have just four foreign players in their squad, the overall quality of their team is very good and it would be no surprise to see them fight for the top prize once again this season.

Chennaiyin FC

The Marina Machans finished eleventh in the ISL last season with the majority of their campaign being marred by individual mistakes. A change in the helm now sees Clifford Miranda, the former Mumbai City assistant coach, take charge of the club.

Chennaiyin FC have never really hit top gear since their late surge in the 2019-20 season that took them all the way to the final. With four new foreigners, the Southern Blues will look to regain consistency and build from there.

Injury Concerns and Team News

There are no major injury concerns in both the Mumbai City and Chennaiyin FC camps ahead of this game.

Head-to-Head Stats

Overall Head-to-Head Record between the two clubs stand as follows

• Matches played in all competitions: 27
• Won by Mumbai City FC: 16
• Won by Chennaiyin FC: 7
• Games that ended in a draw: 4

Predicted Line-ups

Mumbai City FC (4-3-3)

Phurba Lachempa (GK), Nathan Rodrigues, Bijay Chhetri, Nuno Reis, Valpuia, Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung, Joni Kauko, Brandon Fernandes, Jorge Ortiz, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Jorge Pereyra Diaz

Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1)

Mohammad Nawaz (GK), Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, PC Laldinpuia, Eduardo Kau, Pritam Kotal, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Mohammed Bemammer, Alberto Noguera, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Inigo Martin

Players to Watch

Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Mumbai City FC)

The 35-year-old is back with the Islanders after his season-long stint at Bengaluru FC, which saw him guide his team to the ISL final.

The Argentine has played two seasons for MCFC, scoring 21 goals in 43 games. Expect Diaz to lead the line with passion and aggression, as he looks to win all three points for his side.

Irfan Yadwad (Chennaiyin FC)

After a stellar 2024-25 ISL season, Irfan Yadwad’s momentum fell flat after he was picked to represent the Indian national football team.

Seeking confidence and consistency, the next few ISL games would be make-or-break for the youngster, in terms of confidence, as he looks to regain his spot with the national team.

Did You Know?

• Mumbai City FC are on a 14-game unbeaten run against Chennaiyin FC
• Chennaiyin FC’s last win against the Islanders came in 2020 when they beat them 1-0 in the league stage
• Mumbai City beat Chennaiyin FC 1-0 at the MFA last season

Telecast

The Chennaiyin FC vs Mumbai City FC match will be played at the Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday (19th February 2026). The game will kick-off at 7:30 pm IST.

With respect to the TV telecast, the match will be shown live on the Sony Ten Network. It will also be streamed online on FanCode App.

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