ISL 2023-24: NorthEast United eye revenge over Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC scored 11 goals against NorthEast United in ISL 2022-23 (across both legs).

The Indian Super League (ISL) is up and running with its 10th edition. We are through with the first week of the season and the second week presents us with some exciting clashes. One such entertaining clash will take place in Guwahati on September 29 as NorthEast United will host Chennaiyin FC.

The Highlanders will be keen to get a better result this time around and take revenge from the Marina Machans. It’s going to be an entertaining clash as both sides come into the game on the back of a defeat in their opening games. 

On that note, let us have a look at how things stand.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders come into the game after facing a tough loss against Mumbai City FC in their season opener. They put up a strong fight and did very well to restrict the Islanders from dominating the game.

It was a well all-round performance from a new look NorthEast United. Friday’s game in Guwahati will be more than just three points for the Highlanders. The players wouldn’t have forgotten last season’s miserable 3-7 defeat at home and will be keen to take revenge.

Chennaiyin FC

The Marina Machans also come into the game on the back of an opening day defeat to Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC where they were thrashed 2-0. They made few changes with Owen Coyle coming back at the helm and looked promising in their opening game.

Chennaiyin FC will remember their heroics from last season at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati and will want to repeat something very similar come Friday.

Head-to-head

It’s been an evenly poised contest between the two sides over the last nine years. Both teams have played each other 18 times in the league where Chennaiyin FC have won seven games, NorthEast United have won six, and five matches have ended in a draw.

Injury & Team News

NorthEast United’s leader at the back Miguel Zabaco will be available for selection after missing out on the opening game. Both sides are expected to have a fully fit squad going into the game.

Predicted Line-up

NorthEast United FC (4-3-3)

Mirshad Michu (GK), Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Miguel Zobaco, Tondonba Singh, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Phalguni Singh, Romain Philippoteaux, Parthib Gogoi, Nestor Albiach, Rochharzela

Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1)

Samik Mitra (GK), Ankit Mukherjee, Bikash Yumnam, Lazar Cirkovic, Akash Sangwan, Jiteshwor Singh, Cristian Battocchio, Ayush Adhikari, Raphael Crivellaro, Farukh Chaudhary, Jordan Murray

Players to watch

Parthib Gogoi (NorthEast United FC)

The young gun has been on fire ever since the start of the 2023-24 campaign. He scored four goals in the Durand Cup and looked very promising. Continuing the same run of form, Gogoi also opened his and NorthEast United’s tally with a screamer in the opening ISL game against Mumbai.

His ability to play on either wing gives his side a slight advantage. He is a bright talent and possibly NorthEast United's best Indian player. Parthib’s contribution on the pitch is simply commendable and he will have a big role to play for his side this season.

Akash Sangwan (Chennaiyin FC)

Akash has been a great addition to the Chennaiyin FC’s setup. He showed what he brings to the table last year and will be looking to continue on the same track. Sangwan was one of the best players for the two-time champions in their opening game. He will have the responsibility of neutralising the danger from the left side.

Did You Know?

• This fixture averages 3.8 goals per match and has a total of 69 goals being scored by both sides.
• Chennaiyin FC scored 11 goals past the Highlanders last season, including a demolishing 3-7 victory in Guwahati.
• Owen Coyle has a very good track record against NorthEast United having won four games in five clashes.

Telecast

The ISL 2023-24 match between NorthEast United and Chennaiyin FC will be played at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday, 29 September, at 8 PM IST. It will be telecasted live on Sports18 Network. Free live streaming will be available on the JioCinema app in multiple languages. Viewers from abroad can tune into OneFootball to witness the clash.