Chennaiyin FC vs Kerala Blasters FC: Three key player battles to watch out for ISL 2026-27 clash

The Marina Machans are winless in their last eight games

Chennaiyin FC, who were winless in their opening three games of the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season, with just one draw and two losses, find themselves in the exact same position in the 2026-27 ISL season.

They have suffered defeats to Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan SG while drawing against FC Goa in their opening game.

However, one positive heading into their fourth game of the season is that they registered their first win of the 2025-26 season against Kerala Blasters FC in their fourth game. Coincidentally, the same opponents await them in their fourth game of the 2026-27 ISL season.

Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin FC share a rich history in the ISL, dating back to their semi-final clash in the inaugural 2014 season. Beyond the rivalry on the pitch, the geographical proximity of the two clubs has also fostered a strong rivalry between their respective fan bases.

The match between the two sides will take place at the Marina Arena, a stadium where Kerala Blasters had never won before their last visit in 2025, when they registered a 3-1 victory. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00 IST on October 31, 2026.

Coming into the game, Kerala Blasters are in a much better position in the table, with four points from three games. They defeated Inter Kashi and drew against Mumbai City FC, with a 4-1 loss to NorthEast United in Guwahati sandwiched between the two results.

Ashley Westwood’s side started their pre-season preparations very late and are yet to reach full match fitness, which has contributed to their struggles to win games consistently.

As both sides look to put a smile on their supporters’ faces in this high-stakes encounter, let’s take a look at three key player battles that could decide the outcome of the game.

Mohammed Sanan vs Namgyal Bhutia

Sanan, who made his first start of the season against Mumbai City FC in the last game, had a really good outing in front of the Kerala Blasters faithful against an experienced, physical full-back like Valpuia. He created four key chances, completed three dribbles, played a few dangerous crosses and had a shot on target. He also came close to scoring with a diving header in the second half, missing the ball by just a few inches.

He is expected to start again after Green failed to impress on the left wing yet again after coming on as a substitute. Sanan will be up against Namgyal Bhutia, Chennaiyin FC’s right-back, who has been a consistent presence on the right side of their backline this season. He has been active up and down the flank, winning plenty of duels and making crucial recoveries.

However, one area where Bhutia has struggled is closing down opponents to prevent them from shooting or delivering crosses in key moments. Against Bengaluru FC, he failed to close down Borja Martínez properly for the first goal, which led to Ryan Williams scoring in the following sequence.

Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan SG’s goal against Chennaiyin FC also came from his flank after he failed to close down Liston Colaco, allowing him to cross for Manvir Singh to score.

If Bhutia makes similar mistakes against an exciting and lethal winger like Mohammed Sanan, the Kerala Blasters winger will make sure the Chennaiyin FC full-back regrets them.

Madih Talal vs Freddy

Talal started the season with a substitute appearance against FC Goa due to a lack of full match fitness following minor niggles during pre-season. He subsequently started both games against Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan SG, looking closer to his best with every passing half of football.

He was at the top of his game against Mohun Bagan SG, creating one big chance and playing six key passes while consistently setting up Brison Fernandes, Irfan Yadwad and Ramon Tanque in attack. He also recorded 91% passing accuracy in the opposition half, completing most of his passes against a resolute Mariners midfield and defence.

He will be up against Freddy, the only Kerala Blasters FC midfielder to have started and played the full 90 minutes in all three games this season. The Kerala Blasters midfielder has been consistent with his interceptions, clearances and ability to recover the ball in the middle of the park.

However, Freddy has struggled to win ground duels, averaging less than 50% success in the duels he has contested this season. He has also allowed opposing midfielders to dribble past him too easily. These are weaknesses Madih Talal will look to exploit if Freddy cannot address them.

Irfan Yadwad vs Naocha Singh

Irfan Yadwad, who has scored Chennaiyin FC’s only goal this season, has featured predominantly on the right wing and has improved with every passing game. Although he scored a thunderous strike against FC Goa, his overall performance was underwhelming.

He showed some improvement against Bengaluru FC, winning fouls in dangerous areas and delivering good crosses across the face of goal.

Against Mohun Bagan SG, he made several key runs behind the opposition defence and combined brilliantly with Ramon Tanque and Madih Talal. He also made intelligent inward runs into the box when the Brazilian striker drifted wide. Irfan will be up against Naocha Singh, who made his first start under Ashley Westwood in the previous game against Mumbai City FC.

Naocha had a solid outing, making several recoveries, winning ground duels and producing crucial tackles to stop dangerous attacks. He can expect a tough physical battle against Irfan, who will look to outmuscle him while also outthinking him with intelligent runs between the wing and central areas.

And never rule Irfan Yadwad out in a Chennaiyin FC home game. He brings an immense amount of work rate and impact in front of the home crowd.

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