Mohun Bagan vs Chennaiyin FC | GW2 ISL 2025/26 Match Preview

bySREYAS MUKHERJEE -

Its BLOCKBUSTER MEGA MONDAY as the reigning double champs take on the Marina Machans on 23rd Feb'26, at the iconic VYBK


The Mariners kicked off their campaign on Valentine’s Day at home with a 2-0 win over the formidable Kerala Blasters. Although the performance wasn’t flawless and there were some shaky patches in their gameplay, goals from Maclaren and Aldred ensured a strong finish. The win will definitely bring confidence into the squad who were out of action for the longest time.

The Marina Machans however, did not have the start to the campaign as they would have wanted. In their first ISL game of the season, they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in the hands of the powerhouse Mumbai City FC on 19th February courtesy of an unfortunate own goal from Pritam Kotal.


Tactical Analysis: -

This match could be a tricky one for the home side. While Sergio Lobera will field an offensive setup that will press high and deep and play off quick transitions, Clifford Miranda will start the match with ISL-experienced foreign midfielders, Noguera and Bemammer, aiming to dominate the midfield. After losing the first match against MCFC by conceding an unfortunate own goal, they will not go down without a fight. They also have pacey wingers in their lineup that can pose a threat to Bagan’s gameplan. Given Bose's average performance last game, Amey is likely to replace Subhasish Bose and play as the right back while Tekcham shifts to the left back position. Apuia and Thapa, both need to be on their best performance in order to control the midfield.

With the style of play the team is going for, Bagan must punch through the defence with Maclaren pulling the defence line back and finding pockets of space in the box while Robson and Liston play in their zones and create chances of their own. Petratos gave an assist after a clever pass from Tekcham found him in the box last game, and although he missed a couple of crucial chances, with his quality it is expected for him to convert such attempts on Monday. He can do a lot more with the ball and off it, so it will be interesting to see how he can influence the game and whether he can make us reminisce Greg’s masterclass from last season. Pressing should be a concerted effort from all the forwards that make the visitors clear the ball away from their possession or else face the consequences. With the onset of summer, players must conserve their energy while producing a goal lead that writes 3 points in the name of the Mariners.

Probable Lineups:-

Mohun Bagan SG (4-2-3-1):Vishal Kaith(GK), Tekchem Abhishek Singh-Alberto Rodriguez-Mehtab Singh-Amey Ranawade, Apuia-Thapa, Robson Robinho-Dimitrios Petratos(C)-Liston Colaco, Jamie Maclaren.
Coach: Sergio Lobera

Chennaiyin FC(4-3-3):Nawaz(GK),Pritam Kotal-Renthlei-Elsinho-Mandar,Bemmamer-Hnamte-Noguera(C),Yadwad-Imran-Inigo.
Coach:Clifford Miranda


Players To Watch Out For:-

Jamie Maclaren: A crucial component in last year’s double,Macca came into this season exactly where he left off last year. With a goal in the very first match,he will be definitely gunning for more to add to his tally. The Aussie all-time highest goal scorer will aim to be the top scorer of this ISL season.

Robson Robinho: The Samba Magician pulled some tricks out of his bag that amazed the supporters. He made solo runs into the box and even took some shots at goal on his own. With the determination to make his name in India like he did in the neighbouring country, he will give his best on Monday to break the opponent's defense and receive hard-earned praise from the stands.

Alberto Noguera: The master playmaker will be very crucial for Chennaiyin FC this season.His exploits with FC Goa and Mumbai City FC have earned praise from football fans all over India. Loaded with ISL experience, this guy knows how to win and his technical ability, vision, creativity and effort will be crucial for the Machans as their quest for the 3rd title continues.


Head to Head:-

Mohun Bagan played against CFC in 11 Matches, out of which the Mariners secured 5 Wins, 4 Draws, 2 Losses with 12 GF and 7 GA.
In ISL, total of 10 Matches was played between the two, with the tally of 4 Wins, 4 Draws, 2 Losses with 10 GF and 7 GA.
At VYBK, they faced off in 3 Matches that resulted in 1 Win, 2 Losses with 4 GF and 5 GA.

Last 5 results:

 25 Oct 2025   AIFF Super Cup    Mohun Bagan 2–0 Chennaiyin FC
21 Jan 2025   Indian Super League   Chennaiyin FC 0–0 Mohun Bagan
30 Nov 2024   Indian Super League   Mohun Bagan 1–0 Chennaiyin FC
1 Mar 2024   Indian Super League   Mohun Bagan 2–3 Chennaiyin FC
07 Oct 2023   Indian Super League   Chennaiyin FC 1–3 Mohun Bagan

Top Goalscores in This Fixture :-

 Dimi Petratos x2, Jason Cummings x2, Manvir Singh x2, Jamie Maclaren x2

The stage looks set for a thriller as the Mariners will be looking to assert their dominance early on in the league with 2 wins in a row while the Machans aim to bounce back and send a strong message with their performance. And in a short season like this, margins are bound to be razor-thin and no team can afford a mess-up, and henceforth, every match has to be treated like a knockout.

Follow MBFT on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Telegram, Whatsapp & Google News to stay updated with all the Mohun Bagan & Indian Football related News & Updates. Jai Hind Jai Bharat! Joy Mohun Bagan!

Tags:

SREYAS MUKHERJEE

HELLO GUYS, MYSELF SREYAS,A STUDENT,SPORTS LOVER AND A SCIENCE GEEK.I WRITE REGULAR ARTICLES AND BLOGS.HOPE THESE ARE WILL BE HELPFUL FOR YOU AND YOU FIND THESE INFORMATIVE.PLEASE SHARE YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS.THANK YOU.

You might like

View all
Previous Post Next Post
Share to other apps
Copy Post Link