CCFC looks to get back to winning ways

Holder Chennai City comes into the contest on the back of a 1-3 defeat at the hands of Punjab FC. CCFC had begun its campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory against debutant TRAU FC in Coimbatore. The side has had a long rest after its first defeat of the season and will look to make up for the loss.

Head coach Akbar Nawas, who masterminded Chennai City’s maiden triumph the previous campaign, said the result against Punjab was a lesson heading into this match. “We are a new team this season and have been unlucky with injuries. It’s a learning curve for all of us,” said Akbar in the pre-game presser.

Following the defeat in the last game, the Singaporean looks like a man on a mission. “My goal is to secure three points in each and every match. Aizawl is strong and very physical. It has a good bunch of players and has a high intensity game. We need to be better in both departments (on the matchday),” added Akbar.

Chennai City will be without the services of Sandro Rodriguez and Adolfo Miranda, both of whom are nursing injuries. The latter had also missed the previous clash. The home side heads into the encounter after being crowned Mizoram Premier League champion and that will give it a psychological boost.

Stanley Rozario's side has won one, lost one and drawn one in the three matches it has played so far. Rozario said he was pretty happy with how Aizawl has performed in the league till now. "Many young talented players were promoted to the senior team from our academy. It is very difficult for me to change the squad every week, so I keep continuing the same team," he said.

"But two new foreigners were put into the mix against Neroca FC and Indian Arrows. In upcoming matches, I may bring some fresh legs," added Rozario. Asked about Tuesday's opponent, he said, "CCFC has a good squad with the same winning coach. After losing to Punjab, it will come back strongly against us. But my team is in high spirits after winning MPL and we will go all out to collect full points."