ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin brace for stern test against confident SC Delhi

Chennaiyin FC (CFC) will be keen to make the most of its home advantage when it takes on the resurgent Sporting Club Delhi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Friday.

After a difficult start to the season on the road, Chennaiyin has not recorded a win in its three home games in a row, leaving it 12th on the points table with just five points.

With no play-offs to compete for this season and the title out of reach, head coach Clifford Miranda is wary of finding themselves in a relegation battle.

Although Mohammedan Sporting Club is set for defeat without points in seven games, Miranda wants to put together a few positive results to put even more breathing space between her and last place.

«Facing relegation has its own battles, opportunities and consequences. I don’t think any of us are, even a little bit, less motivated than if they had to fight for a place in the top four or top six. So it is very important that we stay sharp and that we are up to the task,» Miranda said.

With three points ahead of Chennaiyin, it could replace Delhi in ninth place before playing Mohammedan at home next Tuesday, a match that could effectively decide its fate in the top division next season.

To achieve that, Chennaiyin will need to improve their chance creation in front of goal, which currently reflects their position in the table. With a combined xG of 5.5 (third lowest), CFC has scored just five goals (second lowest). To make matters worse, there was also waste in finishing.

Chennaiyin has often been pedestrian in passing, failing to trouble the opposition. For all the possession it has gained, it has not translated into chances in the final third. The team also has the fourth fewest touches (105) in the opponent’s penalty area.

Still, Miranda is optimistic that a turnaround is on the way.

«Now I can kind of see how I want the team to play even if the results haven’t been to our liking. I can see some moments and shades of it, so for me and my players the most important thing is to finish as high as possible,» the Indian coach said.

Delhi, who have recorded back-to-back wins, will once again make it a stiff challenge for the home side. Tomasz Tchórz has made the right choice from the resources at his disposal, with several domestic talents repaying the Pole’s faith.

Mohammed Aimen, Mohammed Azhar and Joseph Sunny – the former two previously worked with Tchórz at Kerala Blasters – have all played important roles in recent outings.

«We are in a good moment. I think we are not overconfident because players understand how hard they have worked all season and in the preparation. First we sow, then we reap. Now it is a moment of harvest. I hope we will reap the fruits of our hard work,» said Tchórz.

Having settled into a 3-4-3 system, ninth-placed Delhi is showing signs of punching above its weight against the established names. After conceding six in the first two meetings, the defense has given up just four in the last five.

«They’re very clear. That’s the system that gives you dynamics,» Miranda noted. «They are one team that likes to play football and likes to build from the back. They also have this dimension: if they can’t build from the back, they go over the top. They may not have the best name in Indian football, but they are one team that wants to play football.»

It remains to be seen whether Miranda opts to play two forwards up front to put more pressure on Delhi’s three-man backline. With Elsinho’s injury ruling him out of the season, Chennaiyin’s top scorer Irfan Yadwad could be given the opportunity to attack alongside Daniel Chima Chikwu, while Mohammed Bemammer could return to the XI to protect the backline.

With an early evening kick-off in the sweltering Chennai summer, a cagey affair lies ahead with both teams looking to put aside any opening that presents itself in their bid to move up the table.

Published on April 16, 2026