Defending champions Chennaiyin FC will lock horns against Mumbai City FC for their sixth encounter of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. Chennaiyin have made a poor start to their season and are yet to register their first win. Mumbai have made a better start than their opponents with seven points from five games, but they still have scope for a lot of improvement.

CHENNAIYIN FC

After their heroics from last season, the Marina Machans were expected to mount a strong title defence. However, all has not gone well with John Gregory’s side failing to register a victory so far, picking up just one point from 15. One of the hallmarks of their title-winning campaign was their ability to defend resolutely. However, this season Chennaiyin have looked leaky at the back and have already conceded 10 goals. Gregory will need to address his team’s defensive performances especially in the first half of matches. Out of those 10 goals, seven have been conceded in the first period.

Another alarming statistic for the southerners has been their conversation rate in front of goal. They have taken the most number of shots (65) in the league but have only five goals to show for it. A large part of this has been due to the poor form of their forwards including Jeje Lalpekhlua. The Mizo sniper really needs a confidence-boosting performance to rediscover his form and deliver results for his side.

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

MUMBAI CITY FC

The Islanders showed spirit and mettle to bag a victory against Delhi Dynamos after their humiliating 5-0 loss against Goa. Jorge Costa’s men have picked up victories at home but their poor record on the road will be a cause for concern. The Islanders have picked up just one victory from their last five away matches. Nevertheless, against a disjointed Chennaiyin outfit, a victory does not sound too farfetched.

One positive for Mumbai over the past few weeks has been the performance of Arnold Issoko. The right-back-turned-winger was instrumental in the victory against Delhi, providing a goal and an assist. His combination with Paulo Machado will be instrumental to his side’s chances of pulling off a victory on Saturday. Amrinder Singh could also feature in the squad after missing the last match due to injury.

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

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

CHENNAIYIN FC: Karanjit Singh (GK), Inigo Calderon (C), Eli Sabia, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Francisco Fernandes, Anirudh Thapa, Raphael Augusto, Thoi Singh, Gregory Nelson, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Jeje Lalpekhlua

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

DID YOU KNOW?

• This is the worst ever start by Chennaiyin after five matches.
• Chennaiyin are one of three sides yet to win this season. (Delhi Dynamos and FC Pune City being the other two).

FANSPEAK

Which coach will win the tactical battle on Saturday?

• John Gregory
• Jorge Costa

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.