Chennaiyin FC and Hyderabad FC, languishing at the bottom of the Indian Super League standings, face off in a crucial encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. With just six matches remaining in the regular season, both teams are desperate for a victory to boost their playoff hopes.
Chennaiyin, currently 11th with 20 points from 18 games, has a slight edge over Hyderabad, who are 12th with 17 points. A win for Owen Coyle’s men would take them to 21 points and within touching distance of the sixth spot.
Coyle, however, is wary of the threat posed by Hyderabad, despite their winless record this season. “This is the most dangerous game of the season,” he said. “Hyderabad is not going to hand us anything. They’ve got nothing to lose and they’ll play with that freedom.”
Chennaiyin has struggled for goals this season, scoring just 18 in 18 matches. Coyle acknowledges the need for improvement in front of goal. “Yes, we can be far more clinical,” he said. “I think we missed more big chances than many teams in the league. But the good thing is that we are creating chances. I’d be more worried if we were not creating chances.”
Hyderabad, on the other hand, has a daunting task ahead of them. They have yet to win a game this season and are without the services of suspended skipper Joao Victor and Mark Zothanpuia. However, young coach Thangboi Singto remains optimistic.
“We have been working hard and we are confident that we can get a result in Chennai,” he said. “We know it will be difficult, but we are up for the challenge.”
The match promises to be a tense and exciting affair, with both teams desperate for a victory. Chennaiyin will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and improve their goal-scoring record, while Hyderabad will be hoping to break their winless streak and boost their playoff hopes.
