ISL 2015 preview: Mumbai City FC look for first win against revitalized Chennaiyin FC
Nicolas Anelka’s men have a hard task ahead as they seek their maiden win in this season’s Hero Indian Super League against a revitalized and confident Chennai side, as Mumbai City FC host Chennaiyin FC at the D.Y Patil Stadium, for their first home fixture of the campaign.
Mumbai City FC (Mumbai) have had a motley start to the second edition of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), with an opening day loss in the ‘Maha’ derby, and a draw away to the Kerala Blasters FC. While the Blue Citizens' previous encounter showed that they have the backbone to keep a clean sheet, they have managed only one goal so far, and this lack of goals would remain their chief concern.
Sony Norde will be the danger man to watch out for- he amply demonstrated his fluidity across the attacking third in the last two games. The Blue Citizen‘s forward line will be the buzz for the fixture with the availability of Chettri after his national team duties. Big European signing, Frédéric Piquionne has not lived up to his billing yet and was benched against Pune. The lure of playing the Frenchman along with Chhetri might tempt Anelka to draft in changes.
Chennaiyin FC had two defeats in their opening two matches in this season’s ISL, but were back with a bang decimating FC Goa 4-0 at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa. Elano was irresistible in the midfield, pulling the strings, while Colombian striker Stiven Mendoza came back to form with a thumping hat-trick, the first of this season. An inspiring performance in the last match will surely raise the confidence levels among Chennai's ranks when they take to the field against Mumbai. Mendoza, alongside Elano Blumer will be the men to watch out for.
Friday night’s fixture could be a pivotal point for both sides as Mumbai look to jumpstart a successful home run, even as Chennaiyin FC look to leapfrog to the top of the table.
Mumbai City FC Team News
Indian skipper, Sunil Chhetri and goalie, Subrata Paul rejoin the squad after a disappointing international break. The Bengaluru FC striker will look to make a long-delayed ISL debut today, thanks to a relaxation in the I-league rules this time around, that permit players to straddle both leagues. Lalachhuanmawia Fanai will also rejoin the squad ahead of the clash with Chennai. ISL 2014’s only hat-trick scorer, Andre Moritz, will not be with the squad anymore, as he has parted ways with the club for alleged personal reasons.
The Blue Citizen’s squad consists of 25 players; with many of them carrying muscle strains. Assistant coach Oscar Bruzon has, however, stated that they will work around it and focus on the positives.
Chennaiyin FC Team News
Chennaiyin FC faces a string of four away games in a row, and Manager Marco Materazzi is wary of the task his team is confronted with. The visitors will have Jeje Lalpekhlua and Karanjit Singh back in the squad. Materazzi’s tactical changes in the last match worked marvels for his side and the Italian World Cup winner will hope to implement the same against Mumbai to come out victorious. He will look to check Norde’s pace and movement by utilizing Mehrajuddin Wadoo’s positioning and Thoi Singh’s work rate.
What the managers said
Assistant coach Oscar Bruzon said, “We know that Mumbai City FC did not win our first two matches, but we now have five matches at home and we believe this will be the start of everything.” “We will be happy to introduce the three Indian national players – Sunil Chettri, Subrata Paul and Lalachhuanmawia Fanai - who were not available for the first two games", the Spaniard added.
Chennaiyin FC manager Marco Materazzi said, “More than the four goals that we scored, I was pleased with the clean sheet against FC Goa. We have to now stay focused against Mumbai.” The Italian also went on to say, “We are now in the phase of four away games; so it's tough. We hope this phase will bring us victories. We have to win tomorrow's game to gain in confidence."
Previous meetings
October 28, 2014: Chennaiyin FC 5 - 1 Mumbai City FC (9’(p)Elano, 26'Jeje, 41'Valencia, 44'Valencia, 70'Elano; 87'Nabi)
November 23, 2014: Mumbai City 0 – 3 Chennaiyin FC (71'Pelissari, 81'Dhana, 89'Cristian)
Prediction
Mumbai City FC 1-2 Chennaiyin FC
A rejuvenated Chennaiyin FC hold a slight advantage in this contest over their rivals after their resounding win against Zico’s FC Goa. Expect the visiting side to win by a one goal margin.
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