ISL: Chennaiyin aims for elusive win as it takes on East Bengal

Having struggled to score goals and win matches, two-time champion Chennaiyin FC will be keen to put its disappointing performances behind it when it takes on East Bengal FC in its second successive home ISL match at the Nehru Stadium here on Saturday.

Following its goalless draw against Kerala Blasters FC here on October 31, head coach Clifford Miranda stressed the need to convert chances in the final third. Miranda acknowledged East Bengal’s quality (two wins from two matches), but said Chennaiyin (two points from four matches) was equally prepared.

“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,” he said.

Miranda highlighted Chennaiyin’s seven-week pre-season and seven friendlies, adding that a tactical tweak had been made 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. Maheson Singh remains unavailable, while Emmanuel Imanishimwe is suspended following his red card against Kerala Blasters. EBFC head coach Antonio Lopez Habas expects a tough contest.

“Chennaiyin has a strong team, good organisation and quality players. My focus is on winning the match,” he said.