Chennaiyin FC forward Irfan Yadwad trains with teammates ahead of the ISL match against Kerala Blasters FC in Chennai on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The now-or-never time has well and truly arrived in this Indian Super League season.
A victory is an absolute necessity for the 10th-ranked Chennaiyin FC and eighth-placed Kerala Blasters FC as they get ready to face off at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday.
After 18 games each, only three points separate the two teams (CFC: 18, KBFC: 21).
The neighbours were also involved in a barter in the January transfer window.
Pritam Kotal hit the ground running straight away in CFC colours whereas Bikash Yumnam’s injury put a spanner on Blasters’ plans to shore up their defence.
While the visitor will be keen on getting a double over Chennaiyin in the campaign, the host will do everything in its power to extend its unbeaten run at home against KBFC.
“I think we let ourselves down in the away game (0-2 loss to FC Goa), but we also have a great record at home (vs KBFC) and we want that to continue,” CFC coach Owen Coyle said on Wednesday.
KBFC interim head coach T.G. Purushothaman said he wanted his wards to create more chances upfront after the 1-2 loss against East Bengal FC.
It’s up to the players to deliver in the derby now.
Published – January 30, 2025 05:04 am IST
