Preview: Chennaiyin FC look to continue momentum against FC Goa

Old rivalries will reignite when Chennaiyin FC look to build on their impressive 5-1 victory against Punjab FC by hosting FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on November 5, 2023. The Marina Machans have turned around their campaign with successive victories after three straight defeats at the start of the season. The Gaurs played out a goalless draw on the road against Bengaluru FC and will be keen to go to the top of the table with a win in this fixture.

What’s at stake?

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC have won once in their last five games against FC Goa in the league, but the victory came in their most recent encounter against the Gaurs with a 2-1 scoreline in February 2023. They can make it two in a row against them with a positive outcome in the upcoming fixture, which will boost their prospects for the season. The team seems to be coming on its own with the blueprint and philosophy of Coyle reflecting on the pitch in the last two games.

FC Goa

FC Goa are often a force to reckon with, boasting of a win rate of 64% at the home of the Marina Machans. Their average of 2.27 goals per game in away fixtures against Chennaiyin FC is the best rate against any opponent in the ISL. Manolo Marquez has gotten his troops playing his way right from the offset of this campaign, and he will be eager to get one over Coyle – the manager who trumped him to the League Shield title in ISL 2021/22.

Key Players

Connor Shields (Chennaiyin FC)

The Scottish striker took three games to get off the mark in the league, but he has netted thrice in the last two games combined. He plays a terrific role in building up offensive moves and has shown some sharp shooting acumen in the previous couple of matches. The Gaurs will have to be wary of his threat in this fixture.

Jay Gupta (FC Goa)

The fullback has been a shining star in the FC Goa unit this season, becoming the first Indian player in ISL history to take four shots on target and record four tackles in a game in their draw against Bengaluru FC last month. Gupta netted the winner in the added time of a thrilling win at the Fatorda Stadium and his efforts on both ends of the pitch will have to be kept close tabs on by the Chennaiyin team.

Head-to-Head

Played – 25

FC Goa – 14

Chennaiyin FC – 9

Draws – 2

Trivia: Chennaiyin FC had beaten FC Goa by 3-2 in the final of ISL 2015 to win the second season of the competition.

Team Talk

“For me, Chennaiyin FC have one of the best coaches in the history of the ISL. He is very clever. He demands a lot from his players in every team. He won the shield with Jamshedpur and now the feeling in their first two games was that their second half was good. He demands a lot from his players and his character becomes the character of the team. We will have to be very focused but we will have our options to win the game if we play well,” FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez praised his counterpart in the pre-match press conference.

“Everybody in the country wants to be in the ISL playoffs. But the game will not be the same over 22 games, it won’t be the same over six games, but certainly what we can do is continue the form and the performance levels. Certainly, we know if we perform the way we performed in the first two games, and then we can be winning games. Goa are a very good side and we are respectful of that,” Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle assessed his side’s prospects after their comeback in the last two games.

ISL Fantasy

Jay Gupta (3.8cr)

Guarantees impressive points with his outputs on both the defensive and offensive fronts

Sandesh Jhingan (5.4cr)

Sandesh Jhingan has made three interceptions, seven tackles, and 18 clearances in four games so far

Rafael Crivellaro (7.8cr)

The Brazilian has scored and assisted twice in five games this season

Where to Watch

Viacom18 is the new home of Indian football and the match between Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa will kick off at 8 PM on November 5, 2023. Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 SD & HD (English), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), DD Bangla & Colors Bangla Cinema (Bengali). In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

If not registered already, fans can participate in the overall league or club-based leagues based on their preferences. Create private leagues, inviting friends and fellow football aficionados to compete. Prizes include a Sony PlayStation®️5 gaming console, EA Sports FC 24, signed club merchandise, and a Gift Card worth INR 20,000, which will be awarded to 100 winners at the end of the season. Sign up at: https://fantasy.indiansuperleague.com/