Preview: Chennaiyin FC aim top-four spot with win over Hyderabad FC

The Nizams are currently at fourth place, while the Marina Machans are at sixth place.

Chennaiyin FC will aim to break into the top-four at the expense of Hyderabad FC when the two sides meet in Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday.

Placed sixth in the points table, Chennaiyin will dislodge Hyderabad from fourth position as they are on 14 points to Hyderabad's 16. Chennaiyin lost to FC Goa in their last encounter but their defence has been solid and against a Bartholomew Ogbeche-less Hyderabad, they would fancy their chances of holding fort even more.

The current front-runner in the golden boot race finds himself suspended for Hyderabad’s upcoming match after picking up his 4th yellow card in the last game. Ogbeche is a vital cog in has Hyderabad’s wheel and head coach Manolo Marquez will have his task cut out without the star Nigerian marksman.

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

"Our loss against Chennaiyin at the start of the season was an accident. They took advantage of our mistake. It is not about learning from that game. It is about how to score the chances you get. In football, you never know, the same could happen or you play a bad game and win 1-0," Marquez said, with a hint of regret on missing the three points against Chennaiyin last time.

The Spaniard also conceded that his team won't be affected by Ogbeche's absence. "Zero (effect)," boasted Marquez.

For Chennaiyin, their attacking woes continue unabated, having found the back of the net only nine times this season from 10 games, the fewest by any team thus far. What would make coach Bozidar Bandovic more worried is Hyderabad's watertight backline. Hyderabad have conceded the joint fewest goals this season.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News |ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

The biggest cause of concern would be Vladimir Koman's absence through injury. Bandovic is also eagerly awaiting a report from the team doctor to ascertain Nerijus Valskis' availability on Thursday, for an injury he sustained over the weekend 

"We have been playing according to our strengths and we have proven results. We are not Manchester City and we are trying to play good. Last match was not up to standards. We will try our best," said Bandovic.

In their first meeting, Chennaiyin beat Hyderabad 1-0 but since then Marquez's charges have looked the better side stitching together an eight-game unbeaten run before losing to in-form Kerala Blasters.

Team News

Chennaiyin FC faces injury concerns with Valskis, Vladimir Koman and Ariel Borysiuk. Koman is set to miss out on tomorrow’s game against the Nizams while Valskis and Borysiuk are currently doubtful. 

The Marina Machans will take heart from the fact that they won’t have to contend with Ogbeche. They would also take inspiration from their win over Hyderabad FC in their opening game this season. 

Head-to-Head 

Chennaiyin FC and Hyderabad FC have faced each other on five occasions. The Marina Machans have overcome the Nizams three times while the latter has done twice. There have been no draws in this fixture. 

Do You Know? 

• Hyderabad FC have provided the most number of crosses this season (165) 
• Chennaiyin FC are the only team to score below their xG (expected goals) tally this season (9 goals with 12 xG). Their xG tally of 12 is more than that of Kerala Blasters and Odisha who have scored double what the Marina Machans have tallied 
• Hyderabad FC have conceded the joint-lowest number of goals this season (10). 
• Chennaiyin FC have scored the second-highest number of goals in ISL history (191) 

Telecast

As usual, the match will be streamed live on the Disney+Hotstar platform and the JioTV app. With the kick-off set to happen at 7:30 pm IST, the clash will also be telecast on the Star Sports Network.

For more football updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.