Chennaiyin FC face off against FC Goa in Match 92 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Saturday. Rafael Crivellaro and Rahim Ali had sealed a 2-1 victory for the two-time Hero ISL champions over the Gaurs in the reverse fixture. Csaba Laszlo’s side will hope to do the double and secure an important victory for the Marina Machans in what has been a debilitating season for them, if truth be told. The Gaurs too will be eyeing nothing less than a win to consolidate their position in the top-four. Here, we look at some of the talking points ahead of the game that could influence the outcome in a big way.

Chennaiyin’s attacking woes vs FC Goa’s defensive woes

With just 11 goals to their name this season – mind you, Roy Krishna has alone scored 12 for ATK Mohun Bagan and Igor Angulo 11 for FC Goa -- Chennaiyin need to find their scoring boots against a team who have kept just two clean sheets in Hero ISL 2020-21. In 18 matches so far, there has never been a goalless draw between Chennaiyin and FC Goa with 69 goals scored in all, which makes it an encounter to watch out for. The Gaurs have been leaky while defending set-pieces, having conceded 14 goals from set-pieces this season. This is a factor that Chennaiyin will look to exploit. That said, the Marina Machans will also need to make the most of their chances to help them to the victory. 

Chennaiyin need a win in order to keep their slim hopes alive 

The Marina Machans have been an inconsistent side this season. While their defence has been solid, they have lacked teeth in the attacking third having been wasteful on many occasions. Heading into their last three matches of the season, a win over a team that are yet to find their best defensive line might just provide the necessary push required for the side to make it to the top four, even though their chances look very slim as of now. In order to win on Saturday, a lot of work needs to done by their attackers, who have been sub-par so far.

Can Goa end their run of draws? 

The Gaurs are unbeaten in their last nine matches, with three wins and six draws. However, five of these six draws have come in their last five matches, and this has put a dent in their top-four aspirations to some extent. Playing against a team who have been underwhelming in the attacking department, Juan Ferrando will hope that his team can get the three points and buoy their semifinal aspirations. With NorthEast United FC, Hyderabad FC and Jamshedpur FC particularly in the race for the last two spots, a win will be imperative for the Gaurs on Saturday, and expect them to leave nothing to chance against the Marina Machans.