Why Chennaiyin FC’s home form could be key for Owen Coyle in their hunt for a playoffs berth

The Marina Machans will host the Black and White Brigade in three days.

The 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season is well underway and two-time champions Chennaiyin FC have had a wonderful start to their campaign. A 3-2 win against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium has boosted spirits within the team as the Marina Machans will look to build from here. 

Chennaiyin FC’s next game will be a homecoming for the southern side as they welcome newly promoted Mohammedan Sporting Club to the Marina Arena. With the club aiming to return to its glory days, making their home a fortress will be crucial for Owen Coyle’s side. 

Chennaiyin FC’s shaky home form after the COVID break

Taking the field in front of the Supermachans and the B-Stand Blues, Thomas Brdaric’s Chennaiyin side managed only three wins in 10 games in the 2022-23 ISL season. Two of these wins came only after the club was eliminated from the race for the playoff spots. Overall, Chennaiyin FC managed to pick up just 13 out of a possible 30 points at home as Brdaric was eventually let go by the club.

With Owen Coyle returning to the club, the Marina Arena was abuzz once again before the 2023/24 ISL season. Chennaiyin did relatively better, winning six out of 11 home games, and qualified for the playoffs. However, the loss against an all-Indian Hyderabad FC at home hurt the morale of the team and the supporters.  All in all, Chennaiyin FC had the sixth-best home record in the 2023-24 ISL season.

If we combine both seasons after COVID, Chennaiyin FC have managed to win just nine out of 21 ISL games at the Marina Arena.

Why Chennaiyin FC’s home record will be of prime importance

The Marina Machans managed to pick up just eight points in 11 ISL games away from home last season. Though they have had a positive start on the road this term, home form will play a big part in Chennaiyin FC’s bid to finish in the playoff spots. 

Historically, when they have had a good home record, they instantly become one of the favorites. The best example of this would be the 2017-18 ISL season when John Gregory’s Chennaiyin FC lost just two out of their 10 games in the Marina Arena and went on to win the ISL Cup. 

Even last season, Chennaiyin FC managed to qualify for the playoffs after rediscovering their form at home. Owen Coyle’s side won three out of their last four fixtures at the Marina Arena to clinch the sixth position in the ISL table, winning them a playoff spot. 

Wins Should Boost Chennaiyin FC’s Home Attendance

Back in the 2017-18 season, when Chennaiyin FC won their second ISL title, the Marina Machans boasted an average attendance of 15,538 at home. However, this has significantly dropped as their average attendance at the Marina Arena was just 6,146 in the 2023-24 season. 

If the outfit manages to string a few positive results early on at home, their attendance numbers will certainly be boosted. The Chennaiyin faithful have been one of the more vocal supporters in the ISL since the inception of the league. Hence, this will significantly boost the club’s chances as they look to regain their former glory and end their six-year trophy drought.

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