Chennaiyin FC look for first win of season against confident Mumbai City

The Marina Machans will be looking to bounce back after a heavy defeat against Goa in their campaign opener.

Chennaiyin FC will play their first home game of the ISL 2019-2020 campaign against Mumbai City FC on Sunday, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The Marina Machans had the wind taken out of their sails in the first game of the season, against Goa, a match which they lost 3-0.

Mumbai City FC on the other hand, came out on top in their opening fixture, defeating Kerala Blasters 0-1. The upcoming match will be crucial for both sides, who will be looking to build a solid foundation of which to approach the rest of their campaign.

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The Stakes

John Gregory’s men came into the campaign off of a tumultuous 2018-2019 season, where they finished at the bottom of the table. The match against FC Goa seemed to be a case of business as it has come to be for the team from South India.

However, Gregory will be banking on the fact that his host of new foreign signings will show their worth against the team from Mumbai. It is also worth noting that former Mumbai City favourite, Lucian Goian will be coming up against the club at which he made his name in Indian football, in the colours of his new side.

In Mumbai’s case, their eyes will be firmly fixed at the top spot in the league. Following an impressive 2018-2019 season, the side will be looking to challenge for their very first ISL trophy. An emphatic win at the home of the former two-time champions could be just the statement of intent that the side are looking for.

Team News

Chennaiyin have a more or less fully fit squad, with the notable exception of Jeje Lalpekhlua, who is a long-term absentee. John Gregory will have to decide which of his numerous new foreign signings he fields on Sunday.

Mumbai too, have the luxury of a fully fit squad. Jorge Costa will once more look to the likes of Raynier Fernandes and Rowllin Borges to dictate the pace of the match in midfield.

Head-to-Head

Chennaiyin-Mumbai City has always been a competitive fixture. Chennaiyin hold a slight advantage in the head-to-head games between the sides, having won five out of the 10 games played, losing four and drawing just one. Mumbai will be hoping o tie things up on Sunday.

Man to Watch

Dragos Firtulescu (Chennaiyin FC)

The Romanian forward was lively throughout his side’s opening fixture, almost winning his team a penalty in the 10th minute of the game, but for a controversial call from the referee. Dragos will be hoping to open his CFC account and what better place to do it than at the Marina Arena.

Souvik Chakrabarti (Mumbai City FC)

The 27-year-old starred for his side against Kerala Blasters in the opening game, playing at right-back. Chakraborty was vicious in the tackle and adventurous in the final third. He was rewarded with the assist that eventually won his side the game. He will be looking to push on and continue his performances this season.

Probable Lineups

Chennaiyin FC

Kaith, Vanspaul, Sabia, Goian, Lalrinzuala, Thapa, Ganesh, Valskis, Firtulescu, Chhangte, Schembri

Mumbai City FC

Amrinder, Chakrabarti, Grgic, Golui, Bose, Borges, Fernandes, Machado, Sougou, Larbi, Chermiti.

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Did You Know?

• Chennaiyin, historically have vastly outdone Mumbai City FC at the Marina Arena, winning three of the five games played so far, drawing one and scoring 10 goals in the process to MCFC’s three.
• Chennaiyin had a goal-difference of -16 at the end of the 2018-2019 campaign.
• Modou Sougou was only second to Ogbeche in the goalscoring charts last season, with 12 goals to his name, just four less than the entire Chennaiyin team.

Broadcast

The match will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, 27th of October. The live streaming of the game will be available on Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD. You can also catch the game on Hotstar and Jio TV.