Chennai, December 27: Bengaluru FC will clash against Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on December 28, Saturday, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium at 7:30 pm IST.
The Blues come into this game on the back of a 2-2 draw against FC Goa, as a couple of late goals helped them rescue a point, whereas the Marina Machans lost 1-0 away to Mumbai City FC. Bengaluru FC have been one of the top performers this season, currently occupying the second spot in the standings with 24 points from 12 matches, courtesy of seven victories and three draws. Chennaiyin FC, contrastingly, have lost four of their previous five encounters, and hold the ninth place in the points table, with 15 points from 13 encounters.
The visitors have been defensively resolute, conceding the second-least goals (15) in the league. On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC have delivered middling results upfront, as they are ranked eighth in terms of goals scored with 17 strikes to their name, with Wilmar Jordan Gil spearheading the charge as he has notched six strikes.
Trends suggest that the opening 15 minutes of the second half could play a huge role in determining which way this game swings. Chennaiyin FC have struck and conceded five times in this phase, showing that they resume strong after the break but that arguably takes a toll on their defensive structure too. Can the Blues look to capitalise upon the same?
Chennaiyin FC come back home
* Limited wins: Chennaiyin FC have won just one of their last 10 ISL games against Bengaluru FC (D3 L6), highlighting their challenge against the Blues. However, they will bank on the fact that a return to their home turf could turnaround the side’s form that has been on a slippery slope off late.
* Home performances: Their 1-0 victory over Hyderabad FC ended a four-match winless streak at home. However, consistency remains elusive, with their last back-to-back home wins dating back to April 2024.
Bengaluru FC’s consistent attack
· Scoring spree: The Blues have scored multiple goals in their last five ISL matches, equalling their longest scoring streak. They have also been prolific in the final 15 minutes, scoring eight times, which is the most in the league this season. It also possibly highlights the depth and variety in their frontline, as they have several alternatives to rely upon until the final whistle is blown.
· Conceding vulnerabilities: Bengaluru FC’s defence has faltered recently, conceding multiple goals in three consecutive matches. They will be buoyant by the fact that the Marina Machans have been scoreless in four of their last five games, raising hopes for the Blues to keep a clean sheet for the first time after seven encounters.
Head-to-Head
The two teams have played each other 15 times in the ISL, with Bengaluru FC winning eight matches and Chennaiyin FC emerging victorious four times. Three encounters have produced a draw.
Coaches Corner
“We have to be more clinical”
Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle urged his side to convert their chances with greater efficiency upfront.
“We have to be more clinical, have more composure in front of goals. We will work through where we can get better, it will be a tough game, but we have a lot of home games in the New Year and that changes the dynamics,” Coyle said.
“This is a marathon”
Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza insisted that his team wants to finish the league at the top of the points table.
“I always say that this is a marathon, sometimes you go up, you need to pause for a couple of minutes, and go again. I tell my players that all the teams have a lot of matches in January, and whoever is more ready will be on the top, and we want to be there,” Zaragoza said.
Key Players & Milestones
* Bengaluru FC’s Suresh Singh is on the cusp of a milestone, as he will make his 100th ISL appearance for Bengaluru FC, should he make the squad. He hasn’t missed a game so far, and has made 5.34 recoveries, won 3.53 duels on an average per game in the top-tier, in addition to scoring thrice and assisting twice in total.
* Chennaiyin FC’s Wilmar Jordan has struck 14 goals in the ISL since the start of 2024, making him the joint-highest scorer in this period with Diego Mauricio. He didn’t feature in their previous encounter against Mumbai City FC and the side clearly lacked teeth in the frontline in that match.
* Bengaluru FC’s Alberto Noguera has won 35 fouls this season, with six in the final third, a crucial factor for the Blues’ offensive build-up, as that helps them explore goal-scoring opportunities from set-pieces.
