John Gregory’s Chennaiyin FC to take on Mumbai City FC in its first home game
Chennaiyin meets Mumbai City FC in its first ISL home fixture
CHENNAI: After an uninspiring outing in its Indian Super League (ISL) 2019-20 opener, Chennaiyin FC will look to get its first points on the board when it welcomes Mumbai City FC to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday.
Against FC Goa, CFC was ineffective for most part, and was duly handed a 0-3 thrashing away from home on Wednesday. With John Gregory’s men back to familiar territory on a festive night, the Chennaiyin faithful are bound to expect fireworks on the playing surface at the Marina Arena. For that to transpire, the two-time champion will have to control the length of the pitch.
The centre-back pairing of Lucian Goian and Eli Sabia looked all over the place against free-flowing Goa, which split the defence on numerous occasions. Full-back Jerry Lalrinzuala too had a night to forget as the Goan forwards had a lot of joy in the flanks. The trio, alongside new recruit Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, will have to pull their socks up if the host aspires to stop a confident-looking Mumbai City.
The Jorge Costa-managed unit, which came out 1-0 winner against Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi on Thursday, is spoilt for choice when it comes to offensive players. Amine Chermiti, Modou Sougou, Mohamed Larbi and Diego Carlos have the potential to tear up defences on a regular basis.
Although Chennaiyin boasts of a similar attacking arsenal, it failed to fashion clear-cut chances in its previous duel. First-choice striker Andre Schembri didn’t get the desired service in the box, taking him out of the equation for long periods. The sprightly Lallianzuala Chhangte and Dragos Firtulescu did burst a few times on the wings, but to no fruition.
With CFC yet to bulge the net in the ongoing season, gaffer Gregory would want his front men to probe in a bit more in the final third.
Midfield battle
National team regulars Anirudh Thapa (CFC) and Rowllin Borges (MCFC) will go head to head in the heart of the park and that will make up for an intriguing battle.
While Borges will shield his central defensive duo, Thapa is expected to take up a more advanced role, one where he can spray a few passes and initiate attacks.
Midfield workhorse Dhanpal Ganesh will also be keenly followed as he is back on home soil for the first time in more than a year. Ganesh had missed the entirety of the last ISL campaign due to a serious knee injury.