SportsPosted at: Oct 30 2026 10:27PM


Chennaiyin FC seek first win as Blasters visit Marina Arena

Chennai, Oct 30 (UNI) Chennaiyin FC return to the Marina Arena for their first home game of the MG Indian Super League 2026-27 season when they host southern rivals Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here, on Saturday.
The Marina Machans will be looking to secure their first win of the campaign after a late goal from Manvir Singh consigned them to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, while Kerala Blasters arrive in Chennai following a goalless draw against Mumbai City FC.

Both teams have shown signs of promise but are still working on their attacking output. Chennaiyin Head Coach Clifford Miranda believes his side has made progress in creating chances and controlling games, but insists that improving their output in the final third is now the priority.

“Our game model is to dominate with the ball and be aggressive without the ball. The issue was if we don't get into the final third, if we don't create chances. But day by day, we are getting there. Now the final third is what we need to sort out. We need to start scoring to win football matches,” said Miranda.
French playmaker Madih Talal believes the team is beginning to find its rhythm as the new players build an understanding on the pitch. “When you are building a new team, it always takes time. We are talking every day, trying to help each other, and building that chemistry. We just have to keep working, stay focused and, when the wins start coming, I think more will follow,” said the Chennaiyin midfielder.
Kerala Blasters Head Coach Westwood, meanwhile, expects a challenging encounter against
a Chennaiyin side he feels have not received the points their performances deserve.
He highlighted the hosts’ movement and ability to create overloads through the middle, and stressed the importance of remaining compact and communicating well defensively.
“They’re a decent side. I think, you know, on paper, they’ve had a tough start with regards to their points, but they’ve deserved more than what they’ve got. They’re dangerous, because they’re better than what it looks on paper,” Westwood said.
The fixture has been closely contested over the years, with both sides recording eight wins each across their 25 previous MG ISL meetings, alongside nine draws. Miranda has also called on Chennaiyin supporters to turn out in numbers, urging them to get behind the team at the Marina Arena.
Chennaiyin will assess Nuno Reis’ fitness closer to the fixture, while Miranda confirmed that Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Glan Martins and Mahesan Singh are not yet ready to return. Westwood said several Kerala Blasters players, including Adrián Luna, Andre Green, Momo Yansané and Fallou Ndiaye, are continuing to build their fitness, but did not confirm their availability.
The match kicks off at 5 PM IST on Saturday, in Chennai, and will be streamed live on the MG ISL YouTube channel, Sony LIV and Sony Sports Network.
UNI BM
Tags: #Chennaiyin FC seek first win as Blasters visit Marina Arena
More News

South Africa fight to set up exciting series finale

31 Oct 2026 | 12:02 AM

Cape Town, Oct 30 (UNI) Centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder helped South Africa stage a magnificent lower-order fightback, leaving Australia a formidable target of 288 runs to win the ICC World Test Championship 2025/27 series-deciding third Test at Newlands in Cape Town.

see more..

Naushad Moosa names 28-player squad for SAFF Championship 2026

30 Oct 2026 | 11:45 PM

New Delhi, Oct 30 (UNI) The defending champions, India, will compete in the SAFF Championship 2026 with a 28-member squad in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 5 to 17.

see more..

Hockey India congratulates Abhishek on his 150th senior international appearance

30 Oct 2026 | 11:40 PM

Jalandhar, Oct 30 (UNI) Indian men’s hockey team forward Abhishek achieved a significant career milestone on Friday as he completed 150 senior international caps during India’s third league-stage match against Japan in the Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 at Jalandhar's Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium.

see more..

Mohun Bagan SG look to extend winning run against unbeaten Punjab FC

30 Oct 2026 | 10:32 PM

Kolkata, Oct 30 (UNI) Mohun Bagan Super Giant welcome early-season high-flyers Punjab FC to the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday as the MG Indian Super League 2026-27 hits its stride.

see more..

Chennaiyin FC seek first win as Blasters visit Marina Arena

30 Oct 2026 | 10:27 PM

Chennai, Oct 30 (UNI) Chennaiyin FC return to the Marina Arena for their first home game of the MG Indian Super League 2026-27 season when they host southern rivals Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here, on Saturday.

see more..