Chennaiyin FC (CFC) will aim to secure its first home win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season when it hosts Hyderabad FC (HFC) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday. The match also marks head coach Owen Coyle’s 50th game in charge of the club in the league.
Both teams enter the clash desperate to reverse poor form. CFC is winless in its last four matches, including three consecutive losses since last month’s international break. Similarly, HFC is on a three-game losing streak but will take heart from its sole win last season at the same venue.
Despite their struggles, CFC has shown promise in attack, leading the league in chances created (127) and shots taken (124). However, this has translated into just 16 goals. Reflecting on the recent 0-2 loss to East Bengal, Coyle lamented his team’s inability to capitalize on opportunities. “By not taking our chances, we kind of played into their hands,” he admitted.
Coyle is likely to rely on Wilmar Jordan Gil, the team’s top scorer this season, to lead the line. Gil is expected to get support from Irfan Yadwad and Farukh Choudhary on the flanks. Scottish midfielder Connor Shields, described by Coyle as the “best engine in the league,” will orchestrate play alongside Lalrinliana Hnamte in midfield.
Defensively, CFC remains vulnerable, having kept just one clean sheet in 11 games—a goalless draw against HFC earlier this season. Although right-back Ankit Mukherjee has returned from injury, Coyle may stick with captain Ryan Edwards to anchor the backline. “The biggest issue for us is defensively. We need to make sure we’re not giving soft goals away,” Coyle emphasized.
HFC, under coach Thangboi Singto, has struggled equally, sitting second in goals conceded (19). With captain Alex Saji unavailable, Serbian defender Stefan Šapić is likely to pair with Muhammed Rafi at center-back. Brazilian forward Allan de Souza Miranda, the team’s joint top scorer with two goals, will spearhead the attack, supported by Abdul Rabeeh Anjukandan and Cy Goddard.
Singto highlighted the talent of CFC’s young Indian players, noting, “Last year, they were probably forced into giving those boys an opportunity. But now it’s a very good catchment area, and we’re very respectful of them.”
For CFC, the match is a chance to turn its fortunes around, with just three points separating it from the playoffs. “Nobody hurts more than us, but we’re the ones that can change it,” said Coyle, urging his team to rise to the occasion.
Both teams will be eager to break their losing streaks, promising an intense encounter under the Chennai floodlights.
