Mumbai City FC vs Chennaiyin FC Prediction: Islanders won only one game in four

Mumbai City FC will welcome Chennaiyin FC in Gameweek 12 of the Indian Super League at Mumbai Football Arena. Islanders have only won one game in four under new leadership. Who will win? 

Kratky likely engaged in substantial contemplation following the match in Kochi. Mumbai City FC faced a significant setback against Kerala Blasters FC, possibly indicating a narrowing gap in quality among the higher-ranked teams in the ISL. Despite noteworthy departures from the previous season, they reinforced their squad in the summer and are likely expecting higher standards from themselves.

Chennaiyin FC presents an ideal opportunity for Mumbai City FC to bounce back, considering the Islanders' unbeaten streak in their last six matches against the Marina Machans. However, the visitors have proven formidable in the City of Dreams, securing victory three times against the Islanders in away fixtures throughout the ISL's nine editions. The Marina Machans have conceded the highest number of goals in the ISL this season (19), sharing this record with Bengaluru FC and Hyderabad FC. The Islanders aim to capitalize on this vulnerability, viewing it as a chance to regain their goal-scoring prowess, which has slightly waned since their encounter with Bengaluru FC.

Phurba Lachenpa (GK), Sanjeev Stalin, Rahul Bheke, Mehtab Valpuia, Rahul Bheke, Apuia, Yoëll van Nieff, Jayesh Rane, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Nasser El Khayati, Jorge Pereyra Diaz

Chennaiyin FC is a team known for its proactive style, but they must exhibit strategic defensive organization in this match. Mumbai City FC forwards excel when exploiting open spaces in the opponent's defensive line. Coyle needs to ensure that his team maintains their natural instincts while staying vigilant about the threats posed by the Islanders during specific phases of the game.

Coyle boasts a 60% win percentage against Mumbai City FC in the ISL (P5 W3 D1 L1), tying for his highest against any team (also Mohun Bagan Super Giant – P5 W3 L2). The coach has, on average, secured two points per game against the Islanders in the competition, matching his joint-highest record alongside Hyderabad FC (P6 W3 D3). Along with Chennaiyin FC's impressive track record at the MFA, this should instil confidence in the team for a promising performance in the upcoming match.

Chennaiyin FC must find the right equilibrium between their offensive pursuits and defensive responsibilities in this fixture. They cannot afford to forsake the chance of securing a point in their pursuit of victory, highlighting the crucial role of Coyle's strategic acumen. The team's approach right from the beginning of the match will be closely observed.

Debjit Majumder (GK), Bikash Yumnam, Ryan Edwards, Lazar Cirkovic, Sarthak Golui, Jiteshwor Singh, Ayush Adhikari, Rafael Crivellaro, Farukh Choudhary, Ninthoi Meetei, Jordan Murray.

Forecasting this match is a challenging task, particularly with Mumbai City FC missing key players such as Greg Stewart, Akash Mishra, Rostyn Griffiths, and Tiri. Despite their attack struggling with only two goals in the last four games, they retain the quality to pose challenges.

On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC sees this as an opportune time to take on the defending Sheild champions. Displaying promise in the past two months, they aim to end the year on a positive note. Considering the form and the significant absentees on both teams, a draw is the probable outcome.