ISL: CFC look to stay compact against toppers Mumbai

CHENNAI: Chennaiyin FC began their Indian Super League campaign with a win but have since been unable to keep up the momentum with a draw and a loss in the next two matches. On Wednesday they will look to change their fortunes when they square up against table-toppers Mumbai City FC.
Unlike Chennaiyin, Mumbai began with a defeat but has since been on a roll with three wins from four matches and are now on top after Bagan dropped points on Monday.They boast of being one of the best attacking sides in the league and have grown a reputation of scoring at will in the last two matches.
Ahead of the tricky tie, Chennaiyin head coach Csaba Laszlo said that his team needed to play to their strengths rather than just focus on their opponents. “We have to stay compact and help each other. If we can play to our strengths, we can beat Mumbai. We have a lot of strengths and we have to focus on that rather than looking at just our opponents," Laszlo said in the pre-match press conference.
"I don't think that the best-rated team always wins the match. You need a bit of luck but also a plan and structure. You can have desire and passion but you need structure. For me, it is important to have structure and then have individual creativity. Definitely, we can win against any team."
Though Mumbai are on top, coach Sergio Lobera warned his team of complacency and said it was too early to look at the table. "Our focus is not on the table but on the next game. There is still room for improvement and we need to concentrate on that.
"Chennaiyin is a very good side and it will be a difficult game against them. We need to be ready from the first minute. It will be a very competitive match," stated the coach.
Not just in attack, Mumbai City have been keeping things tight at the back with their only conceded goal coming from a penalty.
"We will try to do that (breach a strong Mumbai defence). We are capable of scoring. Mumbai City is a strong team but we are not weak. Though we lost the last match, it will be a new day tomorrow and I'm confident we can score goals," Lazslo said.
The good news for Chennaiyin is that Anirudh Thapa, who hobbled off early in the last match with an injury, may not be out for long. "We are looking at Thapa's progress and discussing it with the medical team. The decision to play him or not against Mumbai will only be taken tomorrow but it looks positive."