Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa a long way back as far as iconic rivalries go in the Indian Super League. These teams contested in one of the most frenzy finales of the tournament back in the second edition where the Chennaiyin lads left it late to snatch a win. They both come together again in the 2022-23 edition of the ISL in different textures and appearances but with the same old intensity.
It is imperative to note that this duel in the ISL has been the most entertaining for the fans, even to those who are watching neutrally. The average goals per match when they collide is 3.76, which is higher than any other duel in this league.
Chennaiyin and Goa have won the title three times between each other, with the former leading with two titles. However, the last season turned out to be very forgettable for those donning the blue of Chennai and orange of Goa. They looked tactically fragile and roped in new managers.
Carlos Pena, who was formerly a player with FC Goa, took over the duties as manager for the club whilst Chennaiyin recruited Thomas Bradaric from Germany, who previously represented Bayern Leverkusen as a player and managed plenty of second division clubs in the Bundesliga.
The Marine Machans are looking stunning going forward this season with his emergence. Their attacking threat has kept defences a little worried in their opening two games. They require a little more clinicality with their finishing to complement their incredible creative talent. The two-time champions have taken their problem of not scoring enough and seem to be on the right track this edition.
Chennaiyin have some defensive troubles and conceded two goals a bit easily in their opening two games. Although they haven’t conceded any other, their offensive movement is keeping the defence a little vulnerable and it could backfire against one of the big teams.
They came from behind against ATK Mohun Bagan in their first match of the season. Manvir Singh’s first half goal kept the most successful ISL franchise in the lead at half time but Chennayin were awarded a penalty at the hour mark. Kwame Karikari stepped up and scored a stunning goal to kick-start the comeback and with eight minutes remaining, Rahim Ali tucked home a winner that really boosted the morale for Bradiric and company.
FC Goa continue to remain one of the most consistent teams in the ISL. They were not at their best in the last season finishing ninth in the league, but they have shown some promising colours in their opening fixture. They remained dominant throughout the game but it looked like they might not get more than a point for all the hardwork. Burt right towards the death, one of their most consistent contributors in Edu Bedia chipped in with a terrific goal as East Bengal were beaten in injury time.
The constant criticism throughout the last season was that they lacked this cutting edge in crucial moments. The 2019-20 champions of the Indian Super League had quite a few games throughout the last season where they dominated possession, created better chances but did not do enough to get the goals, which ultimately is the decider.
FC Goa have found tremendous success in the last few years, winning the Super Cup, Durand Cup, ISL and also finished as the runners up in the league in 2018-19. The expectations from them remain on the higher side yet again.
After the tournament was conducted in Goa for the last two seasons, this is the first time the Gaurs will be travelling to Chennai. They were defeated in the game convincingly by the hosts, who emerged victorious by a 4-1 margin. This has always been one of the games these clubs look out for and the visiting side will be well prepared to face any challenge that comes their way.
Both Chennaiyin and Goa were defensively pretty poor last season, with their sides keeping two and one clean sheet respectively. In that respect, the start to this season has not been promising as well, but there is a clear improvement under many fronts with the emergence of new managers, which can help them win the points.
CNY vs GOA, Indian Super League 2022/23
Date: 21th October, 2022
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai
FORM GUIDE:
Chennaiyin FC Indian Super League form:
W-D
FC Goa Indian Super League form:
W
HEAD-TO-HEAD:
Chennaiyin FC wins: 11
Draws: 2
FC Goa wins: 8
TEAM NEWS:
Chennaiyin Team news:
Chennaiyin’s opening three fixtures could not have been more tough, with the side coming across ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC and FC Goa straight away. Mohun Bagan’s challenge was dealt with quite imperiously but a red card in the Bengaluru game for Debjit Majumder proved to be a major heckler. They could only return with a point, but managed to hold a full-throttle attack from Bengaluru with great determination.
The red card will keep Majumder out whilst Alexander Romario Jesuraj and Vincy Baretto are both back to training after an injury. There is more positive outlook to the Chennaiyin team this season than before and the likes of Abhishek Thapa and Jiteshwor are looking to impose further misery.
The German manager might’ve found a very assuring presence in midfield in the form of Julius Duker, who also hails from the same country. He made major contributions to the defence making eight interceptions, four clearances, and three blocks in two games, allowing the attacking unit to stay further up front.
Rahim Ali is up and running with an important winner against Mohun Bagan whilst Petar Siliskovic, the new addition from Croatia, has made an assist. They have looked sharp with their thinking and could pose a major threat to Goa.
FC Goa Team News:
Pena, who has fought some fierce battles with Goa in the past, has already said in the press conference that they will give it all on the pitch.
FC Goa have all their players in full fitness giving the new manager ample freedom to pick from. Skipper Brandon Fernandes looked bright in the opening game and did a lot of running up and down. The side requires a similar shift from the player to ensure Chennaiyin aren’t offered as less space as possible to move the ball.
Alvaro Vasquez, who moved from Kerala to Goa this season, thrived in the attacking role against East Bengal and is expected to be a crucial player in 2022-23 for the Gaurs. He has some potent partners in Redeem and Guarrotxena, who all will be looking to score their first goal of the season.
Chennaiyin FC Predicted Staring XI
Devansh Dabas (GK), Ajith Kumar, Vafa Hakhamaneshi, Fallou Diagne, Narayan Das, Prasanth K, Jiteshwor Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Julius Duker, Rahim Ali, Petar Sliskovic
FC Goa Predicted Staring X:
Dheeraj Singh (GK), Seriton Fernandes, Anwar Ali, Marc Valiente, Aiban Dohling, Redeem Tlang, Edu Bedia, Brandon Fernandes, Glan Martins, Iker Guarrotxena, Alvaro Vazquez.
Predictions:
Both the sides have given a clear picture as to how they will take stage in the early minutes of the season. Chennaiyin have been playing very direct football under their new German manager, with lesser time spent on lateral passing and more on the passes that break lines to progress.
Goa will find major problems with their strategies as the Marine Machans have a host of creative talents in the midfield who are capable of threading the right passes. It will be interesting to see if Carlos Pena decides to let Chennaiyin have the ball and remain in their side of the pitch, as the hosts could be tested Goa decide to plant a low defensive line.
Chennaiyin’s best chances have come on the break aways in transition and their pace among attackers has done bulk of the damage. Goa might want to challenge them on that front and give them a taste of their own medicine.
Although both sides look well balanced when you consider them face-to-face, but Chennaiyin will be boosted further in the presence of their home crowd and they might snatch a victory with a one goal margin.
MPL Fantasy Team 1
MPL Fantasy Team 2
