Three key changes Chennaiyin FC need to make for their next ISL 2026-27 match against East Bengal

Chennaiyin FC are yet to get their first win in ISL 2026-27 

Chennaiyin FC played out a goalless draw against Southern rivals Kerala Blasters FC in their first home match of the MG Indian Super League 2026-27 season. Both sides missed crucial chances in what was a fiery game played in front of two passionate fanbases. 

The draw means that the Marina Machans now have 2 points from four ISL 2026-27 games and they are 11th in the points table. While Chennaiyin are playing well and creating chances, putting the ball in the back of the net seems to be a problem. 

Clifford Miranda’s Chennaiyin FC scored just 9 goals in 13 ISL games last season and so far this season, they have scored just once. Here are three key changes that Chennaiyin FC need to make for their next game against East Bengal FC on 7th November.

Nuno Reis will start against East Bengal

Emmanuel Imanishimwe was sent off against Kerala Blasters and hence he will be suspended for next week’s game against East Bengal. Owing to this, CFC will be forced to start Nuno Reis as he is the only other Foreign defensive option that they have. 

While this is a forceful change, starting Nuno Reis could help Chennaiyin FC as the Portuguese Centre-back brings with him a wealth of experience. Nuno started CFC’s first two games, in which he had 9 defensive contributions and 10 recoveries. 

Playing against East Bengal, Nuno’s experience will come in handy as the Kolkata club have looked like a potent attacking side in this season’s ISL, scoring 9 goals in 2 games. This game will test CFC’s defensive capabilities to the fullest as Clifford Miranda’s side look to come out shining. 

Prakadeswaran & Byrce Miranda may start against East Bengal

Irfan Yadwad and Brison Fernandes have been called up to represent the Indian national team in the SAFF Championship 2026, and given the upcoming workload both players may not play the entire game/start on the bench against East Bengal. 

Bryce Miranda and Prakadeswaran have both been given chances by Clifford Miranda this season, but the duo has failed to take full advantage of it. This could be the best chance for the duo to show their manager their pedigree and make a case for themselves to start more games. 

Individually, Prakadeswaran has played 103 minutes and has taken 2 shots and delivered 3 crosses. Bryce on the other hand has played 84 minutes this season, creating 3 chances including 2 big chances for his team. 

Should Chennaiyin FC play two attackers upfront?

Chennaiyin FC are playing well and are creating chances. But having scored just one goal in their 4 ISL games, it is high time that Marina Machans put on their scoring boots to rise up the table. 

Ramon Tanque, Chennaiyin FC’s striker, has had a mixed season so far. While the Brazilian is winning duels and dropping down to help his teammates, Ramon’s finishing has left much to be desired so far. 

The striker has at times tried to take on the opposition’s defence on his own, but it has not worked out. Clifford Miranda could consider tweaking his formation to play Shubham Rawat or Bryce Miranda upfront to support Ramon Tanque. 

This could give Madih Talal and Nikola Stojanovic more options upfront. A 4-4-2 set-up against East Bengal could help as Madih Talal could start on the left midfield while Pragadeswaran could play on the right hand side. 

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