ISL 2024-25: Chennaiyin FC Set to Bounce Back in Key Home Match Against Bengaluru FC

Chennai, Dec 27 (NationPress): The former champions Chennaiyin FC are determined to regain their winning momentum and close the year positively as they take on Bengaluru FC in a vital Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here this Saturday.

Chennaiyin and Bengaluru have faced off 15 times in the ISL, with Chennaiyin securing victory in four encounters. In the corresponding fixture last year, Chennaiyin emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline, and head coach Owen Coyle will be looking for a repeat performance this time. However, the coach will have to manage without captain Ryan Edwards, who is suspended for this match, and is likely to field an all-Indian defense.

“On another day, we could have clinched the game in Mumbai, following our victory against Hyderabad. Now that we are back at home, our goal is to secure a win once again and end the year with three crucial points to propel us back into the top six where we aim to be by season's end. The only way to achieve this is for the players to rise to the occasion and demonstrate their skills. We have confidence and faith in those who will represent us on the pitch,” Coyle stated during the pre-match press conference in Chennai.

Bengaluru enters the match sitting in second place in the league, and Coyle acknowledges the challenges they present, especially with his team missing key players.

“Bengaluru has performed exceptionally well throughout the season; they started strong with numerous clean sheets. Although they have conceded some goals recently, they have also been prolific in attack due to their talented offensive roster. Playing at home, we aim to be proactive and test Bengaluru's defense as much as possible. To do this effectively, we must manage the ball well and utilize it efficiently,” Coyle analyzed.

“We fully understand the tough nature of this match, but we are excited about it. We won our last home game against Hyderabad, delivered a solid performance against Mumbai, and we want to maintain that momentum and secure those points.”

Regarding player availability, Coyle mentioned that he would make a last-minute decision on both Wilmar Jordan Gil and Ankit Mukherjee, who have recently returned to training following injuries. Additionally, Elsinho, who was taken off during the last home game under medical supervision, is recuperating in his home country of Brazil and is expected to rejoin the squad in the new year.