Mumbai City FC host struggling Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday. The Islanders come into this fixture on the back of an impressive 4-2 victory over Delhi Dynamos FC, while reigning champions Chennaiyin FC fell at the hands of ATK on Sunday. Heading into the tie, Mumbai will take confidence from their narrow 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin in the reverse fixture last month.

MUMBAI CITY FC

Mumbai City have been on a purple patch over the past month, winning four out of their last five matches. The Islanders have emphatically turned things around after their humiliating defeat to FC Goa earlier in the campaign and now look in prime position to qualify for the playoffs. If they can manage to stay undefeated against Chennaiyin, they will create a new record for the longest unbeaten run in the club’s history (6 matches).

However, the one concern still apparent in Jorge Costa’s team has been their goalscoring prowess. They have scored just four goals at home, which is the joint-lowest along with ATK. There’s also the worry of Paulo Machado, Rafael Bastos and Arnold Issoko failing to make an impact, which has happened on more than a couple of occasions in the past. More consistency from these star players is what’s required for Mumbai to become a free-scoring side.

Here’s a look at Mumbai City’s season in numbers:

CHENNAIYIN FC

After a miserable start to the season, Chennaiyin can no longer afford to drop any more points if they are still harbouring hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. In fact, even if they do win all their remaining matches, it still might not prove to be enough to qualify. With just five points on the board, the situation looks grim for the defending champions and the pressure will certainly continue to mount on head coach John Gregory.

An away fixture against Mumbai City will be no easy task by any stretch. However, one silver lining for Chennaiyin has been the performances of duo Thoi Singh and Isaac Vanmalsawma. The pair were impressive in the last match against ATK and they do have the ability to give severe headaches to Mumbai’s defence. The Southerners are in dire need of some inspiration and Gregory will be hoping his forwards can deliver the goods.

Here’s a look at Chennaiyin’s season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

MUMBAI CITY FC: Amrinder Singh (GK), Sauvik Chakrabarti, Lucian Goian, Joyner Lourenco, Subhasish Bose, Arnold Issoko, Milan Singh, Sehnaj Singh, Paulo Machado, Modou Sougou, Rafael Bastos

CHENNAIYIN FC: Sanjiban Ghosh (GK), Inigo Calderon, Eli Sabia, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Francisco Fernandes, Anirudh Thapa, Raphael Augusto, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Andrea Orlandi, Thoi Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Chennaiyin had 32 points last season but this time around they have five points from 10

matches and can get maximum of 24 points from the next eight, which makes 29

points from 18 matches their best possible outcome at this stage.

  • Raphael Augusto has completed more passes (697) than anyone else in the league.
  • Mumbai City have the highest number of clean sheets so far (5).

FANSPEAK

Which winger will have the bigger impact on the match?

  • Arnold Issoko
  • Thoi Singh

Have your say in the comments section below.

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV from 7:30 PM.