Mumbai City FC will be aiming to match FC Goa’s 12-game unbeaten run the in Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) when they face Chennaiyin FC at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Monday. The Islanders have won nine and drawn two of their last 11 games and will be hoping to extend that streak against a Chennaiyin outfit that they have already got the better of once in the ongoing campaign. Chennaiyin, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back following a loss in their last outing and here we have a look at some of the talking points ahead of Monday’s encounter.

The Islanders have been efficient in attack

At first glance Mumbai City being runaway league leaders at the top may suggest that they have been irrepressible going forward but closer inspection suggests that they have been one of the most efficient and clinical teams in the final third. Their last win against SC East Bengal, in fact, was the fourth game that they’ve won with a one-goal margin this season. Mumbai City boast a shot accuracy of 33.58 per cent but their goal conversion rate of 14.04 is the best by any team in the league. The Islanders have also maximized their set-piece opportunities having netted 11 of their 18 goals from such situations. Chennaiyin must be wary of Mumbai City’s ability not to rely on many chances to capitalise from such chances and remain compact defensively.

Set-piece situations a worry for Chennaiyin

That said, being organized at the back will be easier said than done for the two-time champions and especially from set-pieces which has been one of the Marina Machans’ biggest limitations in Hero ISL 2020-21. The winning goal in their last outing against ATK Mohun Bagan came from a corner and that was just the latest example for what’s been a running theme for the southerners this season. They have conceded six goals from corners and free kicks and a total of 53.85% goals that they’ve let in have come from set-pieces. The fact that they’ve conceded as many as seven set-piece goals and Mumbai City have scored 11 times from such situation doesn’t make for kind reading if you are a Chennaiyin fan.

Amrinder Singh leading by example for Mumbai City

The Islanders’ skipper and custodian Amrinder Singh has been in fine form this season and is one of the reasons behind Mumbai City boasting the best defence in the league. They’ve conceded just four times all season and Amrinder registered his eighth clean sheet of the campaign during his side’s 1-0 win over SC East Bengal in their last outing. Even though he goes through vast spells of non-action in goal for Mumbai City, he’s proven his class whenever called upon. Amrinder has made 29 saves so far and currently has a save accuracy of 87.87 per cent – the best he’s managed in any Hero ISL campaign.