ISL 2023-24: Bengaluru FC looks to turn the tide against Chennaiyin FC in the Southern derby

Both sides will take heart that a top-six spot - the criteria to make it to the playoff round - is not far away. Three points here on Wednesday will do the trick.

BFC, eleventh on the table with 11 points, has gone winless in its last five outings (including three Super Cup ties). | Photo Credit: Focus Sports / ISL

Bengaluru FC (BFC) and Chennaiyin FC need a turnaround in fortunes. A clash at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Wednesday will be viewed by the southern rivals as a chance to kick their struggling Indian Super League (ISL) campaigns into gear.

BFC, eleventh on the table with 11 points, has gone winless in its last five outings (including three Super Cup ties). Chennaiyin, in ninth spot, is only marginally better placed.

The sides will take heart that a top-six spot - the criteria to make it to the playoff round - is not far away. Three points here on Wednesday will do the trick.

“Jamshedpur were at the bottom of the table at half-time against Mumbai, and when the game finished they moved to sixth position,” BFC Gerard Zaragoza said, referring to Jamshedpur’s 3-2 win over Mumbai City on Sunday.

BFC will hope that new signing Oliver Drost can hit the ground running. The Danish striker could have immediate impact given that BFC has only managed to score 13 goals in as many matches.

Chennaiyin must shake off any rustiness that comes from a two-week break. Forward Ninthoinganba Meetei, who has found the net twice and created nine goal-scoring opportunities in ISL 2023-24, stated that the players have worked hard on their finishing skills during the break.

Concerns in the Chennaiyin defence, having conceded 22 goals in 12 matches, must be addressed.