Chennaiyin FC vs Kerala Blasters FC, Indian Super League 2026, Today Match Prediction

Teams Preview

Chennaiyin FC Preview

Chennaiyin FC have made a frustrating start to the season, drawing their opener before suffering defeats to Bengaluru FC (2-0) and Mohun Bagan (1-0). Although the loss to Bagan was not entirely unexpected, the Marina Machans can take some positives from a performance in which they dominated possession with 53% and attempted over 20 shots. 

However, their wastefulness in front of goal proved costly once again, with Bagan snatching an 85th-minute winner.  Also, the defeat extended Chennaiyin's winless run to eight league games. Coach Clifford Miranda will now hope his side can make home advantage count, but last season's record of just one win in six home matches remains a major concern.

Key Players 

Against Mohun Bagan, Clifford Miranda started Nikola Stojanovic and Madih Talal together for the first time this season, and both repaid his faith by creating five chances each. However, Chennaiyin's forwards failed to capitalise on those opportunities, bringing Ramon Tanque back into the spotlight. 

Despite his underwhelming performances, Tanque has retained the coach's trust, playing every minute of the opening three games. Now, it is time for the striker to repay that faith with goals.

Chennaiyin Probable starting Lineup

Mohammad Nawaz (GK) ; Irfan Yadwad, Ramon Tanque, Bikash Fernandes, Anirudh Chhetri, Madih Talal, Nikola Stojanović, Nikhil Bhutia, Mandar Rao Dessai, P.C. Laldinpuia, Elsinho Imanishimwe. 

Kerala Blasters FC Preview

Like Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters are struggling to find goals. Despite playing in front of a packed home crowd in Kochi, they settled for a goalless draw against Mumbai City FC. The Blasters started brightly, pressing high and dominating possession, but poor decision-making in the final third let them down. 

Sanan, making his first start of the season, created several chances in the first half, while Korou Singh Thingujam struggled to replicate his impressive opening-game performance and was substituted at half-time. Overall, the Blasters have yet to click as a unit, with their attack raising concerns. After three games, they have one win, one draw and one defeat.

Key Players

Amrinder Singh made his first start of the season against Mumbai City FC and impressed with five saves, offering Kerala Blasters a reliable presence between the posts. Nebojša Kosović also showed promise in midfield, hinting that his best performances could be just around the corner. 

However, the biggest boost would be Adrian Luna rediscovering his best form, as the Blasters captain has yet to hit his usual standards this season.

Kerala Blasters Probable starting Lineup

Amrinder Singh (GK); Hormipam Ruivah, Jalen Bolton, Aiban Dohling, Huidrom N. Singh, Nebojša Kosović, F. Lallawmwma, S. Mohammed, Adrian Luna, Korou Singh Thingujam, Mohammed Aimen Yansané.