ISL: Chennaiyin target elusive victory in Saturday clash with East Bengal

Two-time champions Chennaiyin FC will look to arrest a run of poor results when they host East Bengal FC at the Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday in an Indian Super League match. The game is Chennaiyin’s second successive home fixture in the competition.

Having struggled to score and secure wins, Chennaiyin arrive on the back of a goalless draw against Kerala Blasters FC on October 31 and sit on two points from four matches, head coach Clifford Miranda said the team must begin converting chances in the final third. Miranda also acknowledged the quality of the opposition, noting East Bengal have won both of their opening matches.

Miranda addressed squad strength directly, saying: "They, along with Mohun Bagan, have the best squad. But football is played on the pitch. During those 90 minutes, who is stronger, more concentrated, more prepared and, most importantly, who takes and creates chances? That team usually wins."

The coach pointed to Chennaiyin’s seven-week pre-season and seven friendly matches as preparation and said a tactical adjustment has been introduced to bring more players into the box. "Since the game against Bengaluru FC, we have made a small tweak. I will not tell you what that tweak is. Let the opponent find out," he quipped.

Chennaiyin will be without Maheson Singh, who remains unavailable, while Emmanuel Imanishimwe is suspended following his red card against Kerala Blasters.

East Bengal head coach Antonio Lopez Habas previewed a difficult match, saying: "Chennaiyin has a strong team, good organisation and quality players. My focus is on winning the match."

The ISL fixture at the Nehru Stadium on Saturday will provide Chennaiyin an immediate chance to respond to their slow start and East Bengal the opportunity to extend their unbeaten opening to three matches.