Chennaiyin FC aim to make home advantage count against NorthEast United FC

Chennai, January 16, 2020: Chennaiyin FC entertain NorthEast United FC in the Hero Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday. With 12 points in eighth place, CFC take on NEUFC who are a point and position lower in the table in what will be a crucial encounter for the play-off hopes of both teams.

In terms of team news, the hosts will be without Germanpreet Singh through suspension. But Head Coach Owen Coyle has reiterated his faith in the squad to find a solution, especially proud of the fact that his team is probably the only one to field two Indians in the heart of midfield across the League.

NEUFC will be without star striker Asamoah Gyan through injury while defensive midfielder Jose Luedo will be out through suspension after being sent off against FC Goa. They could give a debut to Irish striker Andy Keogh, whose arrival was announced on Wednesday night.

Chennaiyin have been resurgent in front of goal under Coyle, scoring ten goals in his five games in charge with three goals or more netted in a game on three occasions. Nerijus Valskis with seven strikes to his name is the marksman and in the running of the Hero ISL Golden Boot. The Lithuanian starred with a well-taken brace against Hyderabad FC in the 3-1 away win on Monday, and could very easily have had a hat-trick.

Chennaiyin have been a more intense and attack-minded outfit under Coyle, especially at home. And with back-to-back home games coming up with Jamshedpur FC to follow a week later, Coyle will be looking to make the home support count in making a charge up the table.

Errors at the back will have to be completely erased from the hosts’ game as it has been a niggling issue with the consolation goal conceded to HFC also a result of a glaring defensive mix-up.

NEUFC have an impressive record against CFC in the ISL, having won six of the 10 games played between both sides. With the away game in Guwahati postponed earlier in December, this will be the first clash between both sides this season and Chennaiyin will be hoping to get the win and improve their personal record as well.

With the match being played in Chennai during the festive period of Pongal, Coyle is hopeful of his side giving the fans the perfect reason to celebrate – with a win.

“Coming into the country I am getting to see varied cultures. It was fantastic to see the feast of the harvest. Even when we went to train, a lot of people were dressed up. The best celebration will be to get the three points and to do that we will have to play very well. NorthEast are a good side and we are really looking forward,” Coyle said during the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.