ISL 2024-25: Bengaluru FC Eyes Playoffs, Chennaiyin FC Needs Victory and Fortune

Bengaluru, Feb 24 (NationPress) Bengaluru FC is set to host Chennaiyin FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Tuesday.

Both teams are currently on two-game winning streaks, with the Blues holding the fourth position in the table, accruing 34 points from 21 matches with 10 wins and four draws. In contrast, Chennaiyin FC sits eighth with 24 points, trailing sixth-placed Mumbai City FC by eight points, making a positive result crucial for their playoff aspirations.

The Blues have a strong home record against the Marina Machans, having won their last four encounters at home and achieving clean sheets in three of those matches. A victory here could see them replicate their streak against Owen Coyle's team, making them only the second team to defeat Chennaiyin FC five times in succession at Kanteerava, following Kerala Blasters FC.

On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC has recently found their form, winning their last two games with scores of 3-0 and 2-1 against East Bengal FC and Punjab FC, respectively. Securing a win alongside a clean sheet would mark only the second time in ISL history, and the first since October 2015, that they have won consecutive away matches without conceding.

This season, the Blues have scored multiple goals in 13 matches, including three in a row, matching their best record from the 2017-18 season where they reached 14 multiple-goal matches.

Bengaluru FC has led the league with an impressive average of 34.3 passes per shot in the 2024-25 season, showcasing their strategic buildup before attempting shots.

Meanwhile, the Marina Machans have turned their form around, winning their last two ISL matches after enduring a seven-game winless streak (D3 L4). A victory would extend their winning streak to three, which would mirror their successful stretch from March to April 2024 that fueled their playoff ambitions last season.

Connor Shields, with one goal and eight assists, is on the brink of becoming the ninth Chennaiyin FC player to achieve over 10 goal contributions in a single ISL season.

In their 16 encounters, Bengaluru FC has won nine times, while Chennaiyin FC has claimed victory in four, with three matches ending in draws.

Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza emphasized the necessity of a positive result to secure their playoff position, stating, "We deserve the six points from our last two matches. Now, we must meet our objective of reaching the playoffs."

Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle outlined clear goals for his team before facing Bengaluru FC, saying, "We need to win the game; it's that straightforward. The team must defend well against a strong Bengaluru FC side."