Struggling CCFC meets Bagan

Chennai City (8 points from 7 matches) has been struggling, having secured just two wins thus far. In contrast, Bagan (20 points from 9 matches) is in the midst of a seven-game unbeaten run and has lost just one fixture out of nine. The Kolkata giant has been impressive in all key aspects of the game.

It has scored maximum goals (17), conceded least (7) and has kept five clean sheets, three more than the next team on that count. Speaking before the match, CCFC’s summer signing Adolfo “Fito’’ Miranda said his side can still beat a top team like Bagan.

“After an improved show and good away win against Gokulam Kerala FC, Chennai City suffered a defeat against East Bengal. We will give our best (on Friday) and hope to gradually get closer to the top half of the table,” said the Spanish midfielder.

CCFC head coach Akbar Nawas will be worried about his team’s defence, which has conceded 12 goals so far. In the previous game against East Bengal which Chennai City lost 0-2, its defenders were under enormous pressure.

Given Bagan’s attacking options, the home side will have to have a more organised defence line. Chennai City has bolstered its attacking options, bringing in Swiss forward Jan Mizunga, who made his debut in the East Bengal game.