Mumbai City vs Chennaiyin Prediction 28.12.2023

• Competition: Indian Super League
• Date: Thursday, 28th, December 2023
• Kickoff: 14:30 UTC / 15.30 CET
• Venue: Mumbai Football Arena (Mumbai)

On Thursday, Mumbai City is set to host Chennaiyin at the Mumbai Football Arena in an Indian Super League match, with the team urgently aiming to regain their winning streak.

Petr Kratky’s team is no longer undefeated in India’s premier league, having been defeated 0-2 by Kerala Blasters in a key contest for the second place position. This loss has resulted in them dropping to fourth place with 19 points, but they remain within reach of league leaders Goa, despite being four points behind and having played two more matches. After a disappointing AFC Champions League campaign where they failed to secure any points in six group stage rounds, Mumbai is now refocusing on the domestic league. Their aim is to repeat their success from last season and secure the title of regular-season champions.

Unlike their Thursday’s host, Chennaiyin experienced a similar situation, failing to secure their spot in the playoffs due to an unexpected 0-1 loss to Punjab, a team that hadn’t won a match before their face-off. This unfortunate result leaves them hanging on the final playoff spot with 12 points, yet without any guarantee of finishing 2023 in the top six, considering they’re only one point ahead of North East United. Understanding the significance of the away game against the previous year’s regular season champions, Marina Machans will strive to deliver a shock, despite being seen as underdogs by the bookmakers.

Mumbai City vs Chennaiyin Betting Tips: AH2 +1.5

Even though Mumbai is considered the favorite on paper, we think Chennaiyin has a point to prove and can at least keep the host to a one-goal difference. This belief is backed up by the teams’ past matches, with Chennaiyin overcoming a +1.5 handicap in 11 of their last 12 face-offs, including six consecutive games played in Mumbai, the country’s biggest city, at the Mumbai Football Arena.

Furthermore, Petr Kratky’s team has shown inconsistency throughout most of the current campaign, needing significant effort to achieve their five wins. Only one of these wins had a margin of more than two goals, while the remaining four all ended with a 2-1 scoreline. In contrast, Chennaiyin has made a good impression, except for an unexpected defeat against Punjab who are second from the bottom. Their attacking zone has been particularly impressive, scoring seven times in the last four ISL matches.

The visitors from Tamil Nadu will no doubt stick to their attacking style to try and upset the favored side, and with Mumbai having been less creative and unimaginative in the final third this term, we believe Coyle’s men will fancy their chances of an upset.