Chennaiyin FC go to battle with FC Goa in an away game at the Fatorda Stadium on Saturday evening, in search of a first win in five games. CFC have drawn two and lost two apiece since their 2-1 victory over Jamshedpur FC on the opening night.

Chennaiyin, in 8th place with five points are three behind FC Goa in 6th spot. CFC will draw inspiration from their performances against FC Goa last season, especially the 4-1 semi-final first leg victory at home in Chennai. The game also comes on the eve of the anniversary of CFC’s inaugural ISL title triumph in the very same stadium, a stunning 3-2 victory in the final on 20th December 2015 against the hosts FC Goa.

Unlike the final that night, this clash will be played without fans. And Chennaiyin do know a little something about playing at the Fatorda without fans; with this being their return to the arena after last season’s 3-1 final defeat to ATK.

In terms of team news, CFC should be boosted by the return of Bosnian central defender Enes Sipovic, who missed the 0-0 draw against NorthEast United last time out, after getting injured in the 2-1 loss to Mumbai City FC. It remains to be seen whether Enes will feature from the outset against Goa, however he along with his Brazilian defensive partner Eli Sabia will be up for the challenge that FC Goa’s attack force pose, especially ISL Golden Boot leader Igor Angulo who has six goals to his name.

Laszlo, in his pre-match press briefing, also said that he hopes Portuguese forward Isma will be back next week in training, having also picked up an injury against Mumbai.

This fixture has traditionally been a largely entertaining affair, with CFC and Goa playing out memorable encounters in the ISL. The teams have also met in the semi-finals on two occasions, with Chennai coming out on top on both instances.

Goa though have the better head-to-head record, winning nine of the 17 games between both teams in the ISL, with CFC victorious in seven of the remaining matches and only one being a draw. The encounter also promises to be a goal-laden affair, with a whopping average of almost four goals (3.88) being scored in games between CFC and Goa.

(Chennaiyin FC)