UditVani, Chennai: Chennaiyin FC are gearing up for an important clash against East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. The match is set to take place on December 7, Saturday, at 5:00 pm IST, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. This game is crucial for both teams as they look to strengthen their campaigns and gain momentum for the rest of the season.
Chennaiyin FC’s Search for Redemption
After suffering two consecutive defeats, Chennaiyin FC are eager to bounce back. The team has struggled in recent matches, notably losing to Kolkata-based clubs Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mohammedan SC by identical 1-0 scorelines. Chennaiyin FC’s recent performance against Kolkata teams has been disappointing, marking a two-match losing streak. Their last defeat to Kolkata teams was a three-game streak against ATK from 2018-2019. Despite this, Chennaiyin FC have spent 26.3% of their game time leading this season, significantly more than East Bengal FC, who have spent just 10.5% of their time in the lead.
Chennaiyin FC’s attack has been another area of concern, with the team failing to score in their last two matches. This mirrors a similar slump they experienced from December 2023 to February 2024, when they went three matches without finding the back of the net. The Marina Machans will need to rectify these issues quickly to remain competitive.
East Bengal FC’s Defensive Revival
On the other hand, East Bengal FC have shown signs of improvement, especially in defense. The team managed back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this season, with a recent 1-0 win over NorthEast United FC. This defensive resilience will be critical as they look to climb from the bottom of the table. East Bengal FC’s standout player, Anwar Ali, has been a defensive pillar, with 8+ clearances in three matches, a feat shared with other key players like Stephen Eze and Alex Saji.
East Bengal FC will rely heavily on their solid defense to keep Chennaiyin FC at bay, especially considering the latter’s recent struggles in front of goal.
Head-to-Head Record
Chennaiyin FC and East Bengal FC have met eight times in the ISL, with Chennaiyin FC winning twice, East Bengal FC once, and five matches ending in draws. The most recent encounter saw East Bengal FC break a seven-match winless streak against Chennaiyin FC, with a 1-0 victory on February 26, 2024.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle remains optimistic despite the recent setbacks, stating that the team is still in a good position to make a comeback. “We’re still well-placed, and with home games coming up, we can pick up points and move ourselves back into the playoff places,” Coyle said.
East Bengal FC’s head coach Oscar Bruzon, however, downplayed the significance of the venue and emphasized the collective strength of Chennaiyin FC. “I don’t think playing at home or away will have any impact on the result. Chennaiyin FC are a very good team with a good coach, one of the top-3 in the league,” Bruzon commented.
Key Players to Watch
Chennaiyin FC’s Connor Shields has been instrumental in creating opportunities this season, leading the league with 37 chances created and four assists. His performance will be crucial in breaking East Bengal FC’s defense and finding the back of the net.
For East Bengal FC, midfielder Saul Crespo has been outstanding, averaging 17.7 passes into the final third per game. His playmaking ability will be key to creating chances for the East Bengal forwards.
Additionally, Chennaiyin FC’s Pachuau Laldinpuia, who won possession back 10 times in the last match, will play a pivotal role in disrupting East Bengal FC’s attacking rhythm and ensuring his team remains competitive throughout the game.
ISL Fantasy Picks
- Wilmar Jordan Gil (9.6cr): The striker has accumulated the most fantasy points (44) among his teammates this season.
- Madih Talal (11.4cr): The former Punjab FC star has been one of the highest fantasy point earners for East Bengal FC this season, with 35 points.
This highly anticipated match will be crucial for both teams as they look to push their campaigns forward and make a statement in the ISL 2024-25.
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