As the I-League is set to resume after a three-day break, Indian Arrows will host the reigning champions Chennai City FC at the Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai on Friday. (More Football News)
The Arrows didn't have the best of starts at their new home having gone down to a resurgent East Bengal by 1-3. Following their encounter with East Bengal, the developmental side of the AIFF, again, had to face a loss at the hands of Real Kashmir FC by a one-goal margin.
Although they're not in a favourable position on the standings, the Shanmugam Venkatesh-coached boys are desperate to prove a point that they aren't ready to let it go so easily.
Speaking before the match head coach of Arrows, Shanmugam Venkatesh said, "We remain determined to our cause the goal remains the same that we want to put our best foot forward and work very hard towards the development of the team."
Venkatesh also spoke about the opponents for the evening and said, "We expect another tough match against Chennai City. They are a quality team with many skilled players. They have conceded only three goals in the last five matches, so we know we have our task cut out. We hope to make good use of playing here in Mumbai and get the three points."
Chennai City, on the other hand, has had a mixed bag of results in the last few encounters as they haven't seen a win since the last three matches. Being placed seventh on the points table, the southerners will look to resurrect their campaign to finish in the top half of the table at the end of the league.
Roberto Eslava, skipper, Chennai City said, "Yes, we do see an opportunity because we are taking each game as it comes and every game is an opportunity. In football, things are unpredictable and the match can go both ways."
Having amassed just one point more than relegation-threatened Aizawl FC, the onus will be on Chennai City and their Japanese playmaker Katsumi Yusa to get the team over the line.
