Bengaluru FC vs Chennaiyin FC lineups, team news, prediction & preview

Bengaluru FC will look to do the league double over the Marina Machans.

The match week 23 of the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season will see Bengaluru FC face Chennaiyin FC ahead of a crucial run of games heading into the ISL playoffs. Popularly known as ‘The South Indian Derby’, the game promises to ignite a rivalry that has not hit the heights in recent seasons.

A tale of two teams, the Blues came out on top against the Marina Machans in the reverse fixture courtesy of goals from Sunil Chhetri, Laldinliana Renthlei and a brace from Ryan Williams. The Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the home of the Blues, has been a fortress with only two losses this season. 

Fans can expect an enthralling game between two sides who will be desperate to record all three points to secure playoff qualification.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

Under Gerard Zaragoza, Bengaluru FC is currently on a two-game winning streak, keeping two clean sheets and looking all set to seal their playoff qualification. With 10 wins, seven losses and four draws, their campaign has been reignited following two huge wins as they look to take this winning momentum. Their recent 2-0 win against NorthEast United FC showcased a team peaking at the right time, with the veterans steadying the ship ahead of the upcoming playoffs.

Having already secured victories in challenging venues this season like Kochi, Kolkata and Shillong, Bengaluru FC will hope they can make their advantage at home count. A win will be essential for the Blues as they look to seal their qualifying spot with two games left to go after this encounter.

Chennaiyin FC

The Marina Machans earned a valuable win over Punjab FC in match week 22 courtesy of goals from Wilmar Jordan Gil and Daniel Chima Chukwu. As things stand for head coach Owen Coyle’s side, the club needs to win all their remaining games to qualify for the ISL playoffs.

Even a single loss from the remaining games will end Chennaiyin‘s hopes of a playoff spot. With games against NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC coming up, the Marina Machans desperately need a win at the Sree Kanteerava.

Team & Injury News

The Blues will have a fully fit and available side for the upcoming game. The Marina Machans will also have the luxury of picking their best combination of players from a fully fit and available side. 

Head-to-Head Record

Total Matches – 16

Bengaluru FC wins – 9

Chennaiyin FC wins – 4

Draws – 3

ALSO READ: Owen Coyle praises Irfan Yadwad, talks about Bengaluru FC’s attack ahead ISL clash

Predicted Lineups

Bengaluru FC (4-3-3)

Gurpreet Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana, Roshan Singh; Alberto Noguera, Pedro Capo, Suresh Wangjam; Ryan Williams, Edgar Mendez, Sunil Chhetri

Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1) 

Mohammed Nawaz (GK), Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Elsinho, Ryan Edwards, Pritam Kotal, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Jitender Singh, Connor Shields, Kiyan Nassiri, Irfan Yadwad, Wilmar Jordan Gil

Players to Watch

Ryan Williams (Bengaluru FC)

The Blues winger has been a star turn for his side and will again be under the spotlight in matchweek 23. He was influential in the reverse fixture supplying two goals and an assist at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.

In 15 appearances for the club this season, Williams has contributed with six goals and four assists. He is also coming on the back of an impressive performance against NorthEast United FC and will be looking to add to his tally on Tuesday at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

Connor Shields (Chennaiyin FC)

The Chennaiyin FC attacking midfielder has played a key role in his club’s run this season. He has pitched in with a goal and eight assists in 19 appearances for the Marina Machans this season.

The Scotsman has created the most chances in the 2024-25 ISL season and is a key player on his side. While seeking another win, Connor Shields must be at his best ahead of their trip to Bengaluru.

Did You Know?

• Bengaluru FC have won their last four home games against Chennaiyin FC.
• Chennaiyin FC’s last back-to-back wins away from home in the league while keeping a clean sheet was in October 2015.
• Bengaluru FC have won three out of their last five matches against Chennaiyin FC in the ISL.
• Chennaiyin FC have beaten Bengaluru FC once in their last 10 meetings in the league.

Telecast Details

The 2024-25 Indian Super League match between Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC will occur at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday (25 February).

It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Sports 18 and be available for streaming on Jio Cinema. International viewers can also watch the match on the OneFootball app.

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