Chennaiyin FC host East Bengal at Marina Arena in ISL 2026-27 clash on Saturday
Clifford Miranda’s Chennaiyin FC, still without a win after four MG Indian Super League matches, will host defending champions East Bengal at the Marina Arena on Saturday in the ISL 2026-27 season. East Bengal arrive on the back of consecutive victories over Churchill Brothers and Inter Kashi, while Chennaiyin sit 12th with 2 points following a goalless draw with Kerala Blasters at home.
Chennaiyin have scored just one goal in four ISL games this season and remain search of a first victory after their draw with Kerala Blasters. East Bengal began the campaign with back-to-back wins and also featured in AFC Champions League Two on Tuesday, where defender Anwar Ali walked off injured in a 2-0 loss to Al-Seeb.
Diego Zivulic will be asked to steady East Bengal’s defence in Anwar Ali’s absence, and he has registered 57 defensive contributions across the four games he has played in the ISL and AFC Champions League Two. Ramon Tanque remains without an ISL goal this season; he has taken 17 shots and created 7 chances in four league games and will look to break his scoring drought against Zivulic and the visiting defence.
Madih Talal has been Chennaiyin’s primary creator, producing 8 chances, completing 5 dribbles and winning 15 duels across four ISL matches, while posting a pass success rate of 87%. Jeakson Singh has been tasked with keeping Talal under control; Jeakson already helped his side keep one clean sheet and, at 25, brings the experience of high‑profile matches to that defensive midfield role.
The central midfield clash between Nikola Stojanovic and East Bengal captain Mohammed Rashid could decide control in the middle of the park. Stojanovic has accumulated 12 recoveries, 8 defensive contributions and created 11 chances while also taking 7 shots in a box‑to‑box role, whereas Rashid has won 8 duels in two ISL games, created 3 chances and made 14 recoveries alongside 7 defensive contributions.
Defensively, Emmanuel Imanishimwe had been Chennaiyin’s most reliable defender across their four ISL matches but was sent off against Kerala Blasters and will be unavailable for this fixture. Nuno Reis, a 35‑year‑old Portuguese centre‑back who did not play the last two games and was not in the squad for the Kerala Blasters match, will be pushed into the starting lineup and is noted for his aerial threat from corners. For East Bengal, Dani Ramirez has scored in both ISL games this season, has created four chances and won 5 duels in his two league appearances and will lead the line at the Marina Arena.
The two teams meet at the Marina Arena on Saturday in the MG Indian Super League 2026-27; East Bengal will aim to continue their winning start while Chennaiyin seek their first victory of the campaign.
