ISL | Chennaiyin faces stern test against Bengaluru

Chennaiyin FC faces Bengaluru FC in an Indian Super League fixture with depleted squads, aiming for crucial points.

A depleted Chennaiyin FC (CFC) will be pushed to the limit when it faces Bengaluru FC in (BFC) an Indian Super League fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Saturday.

Ryan Edwards’ suspension has only added pressure on the CFC defensive set-up which had already lost Elsinho to an injury. Head coach Owen Coyle, however, looks at this as a chance for his young Indian players to show their mettle.

“If I were in their position, I’d like to think of it as an opportunity to play against somebody like Sunil Chhetri who has been an outstanding player for India… I would want to get that clean sheet and make sure I am helping my team win a derby,” Coyle said on the eve of the match.

The BFC defence, which started the season with five consecutive clean sheets, has lost a bit of its sheen. Gerard Zaragoza’s men have conceded eight goals in their last three games and will want to rectify that against a creative Chennaiyin frontline.

While the host’s aim will be to get a win and stay relevant in the playoffs race, the visitor’s goal will be to close in on league leader Mohun Bagan Super Giant.