ISL 2024-25: Chennaiyin Face Punjab Test on the Road, Look to Stretch Unbeaten Away Run

Chennaiyin FC will be looking for ir third away win of Indian Super League 2024-25 season when y travel to New Delhi to take on Punjab FC at Jawaharlal Nehru Stium on Thursday. Marina Machans are unbeaten on ro this season, with two wins and one draw from ir three away games.

Owen Coyle’s team enters match following a 2-2 draw with FC Goa at home. A victory against Punjab could propel m to third place in standings. Although coach is mindful of Punjab’s strong start to season—y have won three out of four games, with ir only loss coming away to Bengaluru FC in ir latest game—he is confident that his side can maintain ir momentum and deliver anor impressive away performance.

“It’s certainly going to be a tough game, one we’re looking forward to. We feel aggrieved to have lost a game in Delhi against Punjab last year. We scored three good goals which were all ruled out. That being said, we never played as well as we could but we were always a goal threat. So what we want to do is carry our good form into anor tough away game, but we have done well on our travels this year and we want to do that again. We want to make sure that we are at our best,” Coyle, who recently extended his contract with CFC until 2026, told media during pre-match press conference.

One player aiming to continue his good start to season is Farukh Choudhary. Following his goal-scoring exploits for India, forward joined Coyle for press conference, before lavishing praise on his he coach for supporting and guiding him.

“Last year, re were times when my decision-making was not that great. But, he (Coyle) has always been re to guide me; even after games, when we h our recovery sessions, he would call upon me and guide me, especially when it came to finishing. I was in a hurry always, I would always go for power, but he told me you just need to put ball in sides. All those things helped me a lot. But, I think I can improve a lot more when we get ball, when we attack, and be more clinical in front of goal,” Farukh said.

Laldinliana Renthlei will be back available after a one-game suspension. Jiteshwor Singh will travel with team to New Delhi after recovering from an injury, confirmed he coach, while Ankit Mukherjee will continue with his rehabilitation.