MARGAO, Jan 21: A clash against struggling NorthEast United FC will be a perfect opportunity for Chennaiyin FC to return to winning ways and push for a place in the top-four when they meet in the Indian Super League here on Saturday.
Chennaiyin are sitting seventh in the standings with 15 points from 11 games, tied with ATK Mohun Bagan who are sixth having missed three of their games due to postponements.
A win will see former champions Chennaiyin jump to third.
Chennaiyin have blown hot and cold this season, looking solid defensively but lacking teeth more often than not on the attacking third.
Anirudh Thapa has been a vital cog in their wheel with the skipper providing 10 assists so far.
Chennaiyin coach Bozidar Bandovic has work to do in his midfield though as chances have not been created as much as they should have.
“We need to improve in attacking and decision making. I believe for the future of the team, we need to make a stronger team. We have prepared well and we need to try and move the ball. The most important game is tomorrow,” Bandovic said.
NorthEast United dropped to the bottom of the table after SC East Bengal recorded their first win of the campaign, further bringing to the fore the Highlanders’ plight this season.
Khalid Jamil’s side are currently on a five-match winless run and they need to arrest the slide fast in order to stay relevant.
The defence has been porous to say the least, leaking 25 goals so far, the most by any team this season.
The Highlanders were comprehensively beaten by Odisha FC in the last fixture and head coach Jamil would hope they can steady their ship with a win on Saturday. (PTI)
