Chennaiyin FC return to home turf this season as they host FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, on Sunday

Chennaiyin FC return to home turf this season as they host FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, on Sunday

Chennaiyin FC return to home turf for the first time this season as they host FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, on sunday with both sides looking to build on their recent results in what promises to be an exciting encounter. They come into this fixture on the back of an impressive win against Kerala Blasters FC. That result will have boosted confidence within the squad after a tough start and with this being their first home game of the campaign, they will be eager to carry that momentum in front of their supporters and make a strong statement on familiar ground against long-time arch rivals, FC Goa. 

The Gaurs, meanwhile, continue their unbeaten start to the season, having picked up two wins and three draws from their opening five fixtures. FC Goa’s most recent outing saw them held to a draw away from home in Delhi against Punjab FC. Crucially, this trip to Chennai marks FC Goa’s last away fixture in a grueling run of three consecutive games on the road before the international break. Following the break, the team returns home for a massive string of three home games against Bengaluru FC, Odisha FC and Mumbai City FC within just two weeks. While their recent draw extended their positive run, Goa will be keen to turn performances into maximum points and close the gap on the league leaders before heading back to Fatorda. Anticipating a tough tactical battle, FC Goa Head Coach Manolo highlighted the challenge posed by the Marina Machans: “It’s a team that try to play. They (Chennaiyin FC) are very good with the balls and movements and if we don’t play a good game we will suffer. However, I feel that if we play a good game, we have options and quality on the bench too and it will be a difficult game for Chennai too.” One of those key options is midfielder Raynier Fernandes, who is back with FC Goa after a loan spell and is steadily earning his place back in the starting XI. Having come off the bench in four out of five games this season, including a solid 45-minute shift against Punjab FC, Raynier is focused on the long road back: “I just want to keep improving and take every opportunity to help the team. There’s still a lot to improve and I’m focused on getting better every day. It’s been a long time with no football, maybe 6-7 months, not just for me but a lot of Indian players in the ISL. I’m thankful to Coach Manolo and the management for giving me a chance to get minutes with the dev team and of course to return back to the FC Goa first team. I will keep working hard with every chance I get.” Fans in Goa can catch all the action from the early 5 PM kick-off at the Official Coffee Watch Party happening at Xpanse Coffee, Miramar. Entry is free, and there are exclusive discounts for all FC Goa fans in attendance!