ISL 2023-24: Chennaiyin FC eye redemption at home against Mohun Bagan Super Giant

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After an uncharacteristic two defeats in a row, Chennaiyin FC are up against Mohun Bagan in their third match of the ISL 2023-24 season on Saturday (October 7).

The Marina Machans have so far been on the road and this will be their first home game of the ISL season. Owen Coyle's team has experienced a less-than-ideal start to the season, falling to Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC in their two opening games. Against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, they're up against this season's current leaders who remain unbeaten.

However, Coach Coyle is urging his team to step onto the pitch with a positive mindset, hoping to leverage their home ground advantage.

"It's exciting. It's the first home game. We're looking forward to the challenge of playing against a wonderful team. We'll be more than very respectful of Mohun Bagan Super Giant but we're not going there to stand back and admire.

"We are at home. We're looking to put a smile on our fans' faces. We're looking to play on the front foot, be aggressive in terms of how we play," Coyle said in a press conference ahead of the match.

The Scottsman also believes his team will have to learn from the mistakes as they were humbled by Northeast United in the last match.

"Had we taken our chances, we very easily could have won both games. I would be worried if we weren't creating chances in both games. We made some mistakes defensively and you obviously need to tighten up that area. And when you're creating chances, make sure you put them in the back of the net," the CFC boss added.

Chennaiyin's attack is also expected to be further boosted by the return of striker Rahim Ali, who missed the team's first two matches due to his national commitment at the Asian Games 2023.

The 23-year-old said, "I will try to score goals because if you score goals, you win the match. They [Mohun Bagan Super Giant] have a good side. So we are prepared very well. And, yes, of course, we are ready for the match."