ISL 2024-25: Mumbai Aims for Offensive Consistency Against Chennaiyin FC

Mumbai, Dec 20 (NationPress) Mumbai City FC is gearing up to welcome Chennaiyin FC at the Mumbai Football Arena (MFA) for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Saturday. The Islanders have an impressive performance history against Chennaiyin FC, having remained unbeaten in their last nine ISL encounters (W7 D2).

Currently, the Islanders have secured two wins and two draws in their last five matches, placing them in the seventh position with 17 points from 11 games.

On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC finds itself in ninth place, accumulating 15 points from 12 matches, with three losses in their last five games. They are not far behind the sixth-placed Jamshedpur FC, who have 18 points from 10 matches.

The team, coached by Petr Kratky, has faced challenges in their offensive game, ranking fourth lowest in goals scored this season with 14 so far. Chennaiyin FC, however, has performed slightly better in this regard with 17 goals. In terms of defense, Mumbai City FC has excelled, keeping the third-most clean sheets (4) in the league and conceding only 13 goals, while Chennaiyin FC has allowed 18 goals against.

Notably, Mumbai City FC has not conceded any goals in their last three ISL matches. Achieving another clean sheet would mark their longest streak since 2018. Conversely, Chennaiyin FC has managed to score just once in their last three outings in the competition.

This season, Mumbai City FC has hit the woodwork on seven occasions—second only to Odisha FC (9 times). Last season, they established a single-season record of 10 instances. This statistic indicates their persistent efforts to create opportunities in the final third, but the forward line needs to improve in converting these chances more consistently.

Chennaiyin FC has faced defeats in their last two away games, failing to find the net in either. The last time the Marina Machans endured a longer losing streak away from home was a four-game stretch from December 2023 to February 2024, which included a 0-3 loss to Mumbai City FC on December 28, 2023. A positive result in this match is crucial for them to get their season back on track.

Interestingly, Chennaiyin FC has allowed only four goals in the first half of their ISL games this season, the lowest in the league. However, they have conceded 14 goals in the second half, which ties them for the highest with Kerala Blasters FC. The Marina Machans need to maintain their defensive discipline as the game progresses into the latter stages.

Historically, these two teams have clashed 21 times in the ISL, with Mumbai City FC claiming victory in 11 matches and Chennaiyin FC winning 6 times. There have been 4 draws, averaging 2.33 goals per game.

Head coach Petr Kratky has emphasized the areas he wishes to see improvement in for the upcoming match against Chennaiyin FC.

"We need to ensure that we defend well, generate more chances, convert those chances, and be more dynamic in our attacking play. These are the key areas we are concentrating on for now," Kratky stated.

Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC's assistant coach Noel Wilson mentioned their aim to replicate the success they had in the latter half of last season to secure a playoff spot.

"At the end of the season, our goal is to qualify for the playoffs. We achieved this last year by winning many of our second-half games, and we are striving for the same outcome this season," Wilson remarked.