Owen Coyle: We play a great team tomorrow with a terrific coach

The Scotsman expects the team to thrive under pressure against the Islanders.

A confident duo of Owen Coyle and skipper Lucian Goian met and interacted with media personnel in Mumbai ahead of their potential knockout encounter against Mumbai City FC. The visitors have been resurgent since the appointment of Coyle. They now sit on the cusp of qualifying for the playoffs, which seemed a distant possibility a few months ago. But, the Marina Machans still have the Islanders in their way and could seal the final playoff spot with victory against Chennaiyin FC at the Mumbai Football Arena. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] However, a victory or even a draw for Chennaiyin could greatly strengthen their playoffs hopes, with the side having a game in hand to be played against NorthEast United. Chennaiyin FC skipper Lucian Goian returns to his previous home, as he was part of the setup at Mumbai City until last campaign. He aptly summed up the atmosphere that is surrounding the high-pressure game. "I was in Mumbai for two seasons and had some great moments, so it feels strange (on returning). But, now I'm at Chennaiyin and as a player, you want to play in such kind of games. We have played well if you see in the last three games and we are confident of getting a good result." Chennaiyin coach Owen Coyle too reiterated the statements made by Goian. He was asked about the mentality the Marina Machans will be going into the game with, considering the pressure and weight of expectations surrounding it. The former Bolton Wanderers manager answered, "We have been playing under pressure ever since I came in. We needed to win most of the games, otherwise we were out of the race. The efforts that the boys have shown, it has been a joy to work with them. We know we are playing a great team tomorrow, with a terrific coach and one who I have respect for. But, we are playing to win." "We have to play for the game, not the occasion. Either team that wins, gets into the playoffs. But, all said and done, we want to make sure that we continue to do the things that have brought us to where we are. We will play with desire and then the quality kicks in. We expect a great atmosphere tomorrow," added Owen Coyle. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] On the other hand, Goian doesn't expect a hostile reception for him tomorrow. "I'm curious as to how the fans would react, but I think they still appreciate me. Even when I'm in Chennai I get a lot of messages from fans in Mumbai. I think the atmosphere tomorrow is going to be amazing and we will also have our fans, who would be cheering us. We hope to put up an entertaining game for our fans, but hope that we are the ones who are cheering at qualification for the playoffs."

Team News

Owen Coyle would be delighted to have a fully fit squad for the game.

Head-To-Head

Mumbai City and Chennaiyin have faced each other 11 times in the Indian Super League, with Chennaiyin edging Mumbai out in terms of wins with five to Mumbai's four. There have been two draws in the face-offs between these two teams. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Probable Lineups

Kaith, Vanspaul, Goian, Sabia, Jerry, Saighani, Thapa, Chhangte, Crivellaro, Schembri, Valskis.

Broadcast

The match will be broadcast live from 7:30 PM on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV on Friday.