ISL: BFC eyes win over Chennaiyin FC as a spot in the playoffs beckons

Bengaluru FC aims for ISL playoffs against Chennaiyin FC; Zaragoza's men in form, Chhetri leading the charge.

Bengaluru FC will hope to take a giant stride towards qualifying for the Indian Super League playoffs when it meets Chennaiyin FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday.

Placed fourth in the table with 34 points from 21 matches, Gerard Zaragoza’s men are on a two-game winning run. They also haven’t conceded in either match, a notable stat after allowing their opponents breach the defence in 14 straight ties.

The attacking trio of Ryan Williams, Alberto Noguera and Edgar Mendez have been in fine fettle, and so has been captain and talisman Sunil Chhetri.

Chennaiyin, on the other hand, is on the brink, despite two wins on the trot. The Owen Coyle-coached outfit is eighth with 24 points from 21 matches, which is eight points off Mumbai City FC in sixth position – the last playoffs spot.

With just three games remaining, it needs to dish out splendid performances and hope for some divine luck.

The last time the two sides met two months ago, it was an entertaining fare that BFC won 4-2. Another such scoreline will sink Chennaiyin.

“Chennaiyin away was one of our best in attack and I am looking forward to a similar performance,” said Zaragoza on match eve. “Chennaiyin cannot afford to lose, and I know that they will fight hard. It will be a tough game.”