Three changes Chennaiyin FC fans want Owen Coyle to make for Jamshedpur FC clash in ISL

Chennaiyin FC will be facing Owen Coyle’s previous employers Jamshedpur FC tonight.

The 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) table is taking shape as Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant are going neck to neck at the top of the table. Two-time ISL champions Chennaiyin FC too are in the contention for a playoff spot. However, Owen Coyle’s side have been inconsistent.

The Marina Machans have picked up eighth points from their six ISL games and are coming at the back of a 3-2 loss against Punjab FC. Owen Coyle has been vocal about giving enough chances to the players and has hence more or less stuck with the same starting XI since matchweek one.

Jamshedpur FC lock horns against the Marina Machans in an exciting ISL clash 🔥🏆#IndianFootball #ISL #LetsFootball #JFCCFC pic.twitter.com/YEMkN2dSGn

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) November 4, 2024

While the Chennaiyin FC fans are firmly behind Owen Coyle, quite a few of them have taken to social media unhappy with their manager’s selections in recent games. Here are three changes that the fans are demanding ahead of their game against Jamshedpur FC.

Should Gurkirat Singh or Kiyan Nassiri start over Irfan Yadwad?

Irfan Yadwad has been trusted by Owen Coyle and has started each of the six ISL games for the Marina Machans this season. However, the 23-year-old has failed to deliver so far, having just had two shots on target in 440 minutes of action.

Chennaiyin FC made key acquisitions in Gurkirat Singh and Kiyan Nassiri over the summer and both the players are yet to make their first ISL start for the club. Gurkirat in particular has looked hungry in his substitute appearances and is knocking on the door to break into the starting XI.

Both players joined Chennaiyin FC seeking more playing time. Hence it has to be seen if Owen Coyle will listen to the fans and give them a chance against Jamshedpur FC.

Is it Mohammad Nawaz’s time to take over from Samik Mitra?

Aged 24, Mohammad Nawaz is already an ISL veteran having made 65 appearances in the league. The goalkeeper has previously been part of FC Goa and Mumbai City’s squad and has won two ISL Shields and one ISL Cup among other accolades.

Samik Mitra, the current starter for Chennaiyin FC has not had the best of starts in goal. The Marina Machans have conceded 10 goals in six ISL games and the goalkeeper has made a few mistakes here and there.

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Samik did make a few key saves as well this season. However his decision making has been questionable at times and the 3-2 loss to Punjab FC is the perfect opportunity for Owen Coyle to make a few changes to his backline. With the fans wanting to see Nawaz don the gloves, the decision ultimately will rest with the Chennaiyin FC manager.

Is it time to bring Bikash Yumnam back to the starting XI?

Bikash Yunman was an important part of Owen Coyle’s side in the 2023-24 ISL season. The 21-year-old made 21 league appearances for the Marina Machans and made a strong defensive partnership with captain Ryan Edwards.

An injury to the centreback at the start of the 2024-25 season meant that Laldinpuia Pachuau got a chance. While the Mizoram-based defender started off well for the Marina Machans, his performances have dropped in recent games.

After conceding the third goal against Punjab FC, Owen Coyle substituted Laldinpuia to bring on Bikash Yunman. The Manipuri defenders’ arrival did steady the Chennaiyin FC backline a bit before they went on to score their second goal of the night against the Shers.

With the Marina Machans leaking goals, getting his team’s defence back to their best will surely be Owen Coyle’s priority. Hence the manager might look towards a familiar face in order to achieve this.

Do you agree with these changes? Let us know your thoughts.

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