The ISL 2025–26 season, which kicked off last Saturday after a wait of nearly five months, reaches the end of Matchweek 1 with an intriguing clash as Chennaiyin FC travel to face Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on 19 February at 7:30 PM IST. Early results in Matchweek 1 underline how the long break has affected the quality of football compared to last season, with teams still regaining fitness and adjusting after key player departures.
For Chennaiyin, the fixture marks the start of a new era under Clifford Miranda, while Mumbai begins their campaign looking to maintain their reputation as one of the league’s most consistent teams.
A strong result in the opener would therefore carry added significance for Chennaiyin, offering an early confidence boost as they look to rebuild structure and stability against a settled Mumbai side.
Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin enter the new season after a below-average campaign in which inconsistency, defensive lapses, and limited midfield control saw the side finish 10th. The club parted ways with Owen Coyle amid broader uncertainty and appointed Clifford Miranda, a familiar figure in Indian football who prefers possession-based, attacking play built on organization and discipline. Improving defensive solidity remains Miranda’s primary challenge as Chennaiyin look to regain competitiveness.
The transfer window brought in key additions such as Imran Khan, Alberto Noguera, Ali Bemmamar, Iñigo Martin, and Eduardo Kau, aimed at improving creativity, balance, and attacking link-up play. Alongside them, an experienced Indian core featuring Irfan Yadwad, Farukh Choudhary, Pritam Kotal, Mohammed Nawaz, and Vignesh Dakshinamurthy provides continuity. Pre-season friendlies, including a defeat against Inter Kashi and wins over Loyola College and FC Madras, have helped the squad identify areas for improvement ahead of the opener.
Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC enter the new ISL season in a period of transition, going into the campaign for the first time since 2020 without the backing of the City Football Group. Questions around stability and planning remain, while concerns have also been raised about the condition of the Mumbai Football Arena pitch after hosting other events.
Despite these uncertainties, head coach Petr Kratky will aim to settle on his preferred lineup quickly in what is expected to be a shortened and demanding season. In terms of pre-season, they haven’t played any friendlies at least as per the official club posts.
On the pitch, Mumbai have strengthened their squad with the additions of experienced players such as Nuno Reis and Joni Kauko, bringing leadership to defence and midfield respectively. In terms of domestic additions, they have signed give players including former Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri.
These arrivals add balance to a side already known for possession-based football and attacking consistency, and Mumbai will look to integrate the new signings early as they aim to maintain their status as one of the league’s most competitive teams.
Team News
No major injury concerns have been officially reported from either camp ahead of the opener, and both teams are expected to have most of their key players available. However, Chima Chukwu is yet to join the Chennaiyin squad despite being included in the club’s roster, leaving some uncertainty over his availability for the upcoming fixtures.
Head-to-Head
Chennaiyin’s last victory over Mumbai City came on 21 February 2020, when Lucian Goain’s goal gave Owen Coyle-led side a victory that took them into the playoffs. Since then, Chennaiyin have been unable to defeat Mumbai City, who hold a 14-match unbeaten run across all competitions, including 12 wins.
All time h2h record in ISL:
Total matches: 22
Mumbai City wins: 12
Draws: 06
Chennaiyin FC wins: 04
Predicted XI
Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1)
Mohammed Nawaz, Ankit Mukherjee, Pritam Kotal, Eduardo Kau, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Ali Bemmamar, Jiteshwor Singh, Irfan Yadwad, Alberto Noguera, Imran Khan, Iñigo Martin
Mumbai City FC (4-3-3)
Phurba Lachenpa, Valpuia, Nuno Reis, Bijay Chhetri, Akash Mishra, Tlaunga, Kauko, Chhangte, Jorge Ortiz, Vikram Partap Singh , Pereyra Diaz.
Key Battles:
Alberto Noguera vs Joni Kauko
Alberto Noguera’s control of tempo and space will be key; if Joni Kauko and Mumbai’s midfield press disrupt him early, Chennaiyin may struggle to progress the ball and create chances.
Eduardo Kau vs Jorge Pereyra Díaz
Mumbai’s striker Jorge Pereyra Díaz movement and pace could test Kau’s positioning and recovery ability. How Kau handles transitions and aerial duels may decide Chennaiyin’s defensive stability.
Imran Khan vs Akash Mishra
Imran’s pressing and direct runs on the wing will challenge Mumbai’s full-back Akash Mishra defensively. Winning this battle could help Chennaiyin create overloads and attacking momentum.
When and where to watch the match?
The match between Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC will be played on 19 February at the Mumbai Football Arena, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 PM IST. The game will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed on the FanCode digital platform.
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