FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC Live: Confirmed lineups & pre-match update for ISL 2026-27 match
Chennaiyin FC set to feature on the ISL opening day for the first time since 2015.
Two clubs heading into the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) with Indian coaches at the helm are set to face each other on the opening day of the league, as Gouramangi Singh’s FC Goa and Clifford Miranda’s Chennaiyin FC are set to face off in the second game of the double-header on opening day.
A clash that has produced the most number of goals in the history of the Indian Super League, this fixture is certainly not short on history. From Stiven Mendoza’s winner in the 2015 ISL final to FC Goa’s recent dominance, this fixture has produced plenty of iconic moments over the years.
These two clubs have already faced each other in a pre-season friendly just a couple of weeks ago, which is highly coincidental considering these two teams now face each other in their respective opening games.
Will Chennaiyin learn from their mistakes, or will FC Goa win yet again? Let’s take a quick look at both teams heading into the game.
🚨 THE ISL IS BACK! 🇮🇳⚽
— Khel Now (@KhelNow) October 10, 2026
The wait is finally over as the Indian Super League 2026-27 season kicks off tonight! 🔥
Bengaluru FC take on SC Delhi in the first game of the season at the Kanteerava, followed by a clash of titans at Fatorda when FC Goa face Chennaiyin FC!… pic.twitter.com/FIi7YHvFZ5
The Stakes
FC Goa
A lot has changed in FC Goa’s camp since they last featured in the ISL. Head coach Manolo Marquez left the club after three seasons in charge to take over at Mumbai City FC. His assistant, Gouramangi Singh, has been promoted and handed the huge responsibility of filling the boots left by the Spanish tactician.
Things have not gone too well for Gouramangi so far. His first game in charge ended in a defeat to FK Arkadag in the preliminary stage of the AFC Champions League 2 2026/27. A lot of key players from the past have left the club, with a few Indian talents coming in, while a complete overhaul of the foreign squad has also been carried out.
Their recent form has been a mixed bag. They did manage to beat Chennaiyin FC in a pre-season friendly but ended up losing their final pre-season game 2–0 against I-League side Dempo SC. They have also played a number of friendlies against Goan sides as part of their build-up to the season.
Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC, who finished 13th in the ISL 2025/26, made a brave call to retain head coach and Goan tactician Clifford Miranda, placing huge trust in the Indian to lead their rebuild as ISL clubs work together towards a sustainable club-led model.
Clifford Miranda has been very clear with his intent, as he and the club management have worked on phasing the senior players out of the club while bringing in young, talented players with the hunger to prove themselves, while also having the ability to adapt to the head coach’s progressive, possession-based football.
The Marina Machans have had no competitive game time so far this season but have been in pre-season for almost two months to prepare themselves in the best possible way for this game. They have played seven friendlies, with the FC Goa friendly being their only defeat. Their most recent game was a close victory over rivals Bengaluru FC.
Team News
With this being the first game of the ISL 2026/27 season, both FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC are expected to have fully fit squads in contention for their season opener.
Touch wood, both tacticians will be hoping to have a fully fit squad for the rest of the season.
Head-to-Head
Total Matches – 31
FC Goa wins – 18
Chennaiyin FC wins – 9
Draws – 4
Predicted Lineups
FC Goa (4-2-3-1)
Bob Jackson (GK), Ronney Wilson, Sandesh Jhingan, Alex Zalaya, Aakash Sangwam; Tomba Singh, Alex Vallejo; Isak Vanlalruatfela, Franchu, Muhammed Nemil; Chiki;
Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1)
Mohammad Nawaz (GK); Muhammed Saheef, Nuno Reis, Dippendu Biswas, Namgyal Bhutia; Ayush Chhetri, Nikola Stojanovic; Brison Fernandes, Madih Talal, Irfan Yadwad; Ramon Tanque;
Telecast details
The match between FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC will take place on October 10, 2026, at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa.
The match kicks off at 19:30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD and will be available to digitally stream for free on YouTube.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.