A breathtaking battle is on the cards as Mumbai City is set to host Odisha on Monday at the Mumbai Football Arena from 7:30 PM IST. In what could be a game that potentially determines the champions of the 2023-24 Indian Super League, there is no doubt that this will be one of the games of the season.
The defending champions come into the clash topping the table currently, with 44 points from 20 games. The Islanders have been in unstoppable form under head coach Petr Kratky who joined in December following the departure of Des Buckingham.
Odisha has slipped multiple times in their title charge of late which has seen them being placed in the third spot on the table with 39 points from 20 games. Having dropped 8 points from their last 3 games, Sergio Lobera’s side relinquished their lead at the top and are now almost out of the title race, barring a miraculous return to form.
Current Form
Despite facing a litany of injury problems and player exits, the Islanders have been on song, having faced only 1 loss in the league so far this year. They are also the second highest in terms of goals scored (39) in the league and have conceded the least goals as well (16) signifying their strength at both ends of the pitch.
Mumbai City handed a 0-3 thrashing to Hyderabad in their last fixture with Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mehtab Singh, and Jorge Pereyra Diaz all adding their name to the scoresheet. The Islanders were unplayable as they dominated the match from the first to the last whistle.
On the other hand, Odisha is coming off a regulation 3-1 win against Punjab where Diego Mauricio bagged a brace and Isak Vanlalruatfela scored another to seal the deal. Added to the scoreline was the fact that they kept a monstrous 71% possession in that clash, completing the double over the Northerners.
Interestingly, Odisha’s backline has conceded the second-least amount of goals (18) this season. It is something Lobera can take heart in, as they also have the most clean sheets (9) in the competition so far – which is again something they will want to maintain in Mumbai, as difficult as that may seem.
Head to Head Record
Odisha had to settle for a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture
The two sides have faced each other 10 times, with Mumbai City having 5 victories to their name while Odisha has had 4 wins.
In the reverse fixture in the league in Bhubaneshwar, the Juggernauts played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against the Islanders. Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Roy Krishna were on the money for the home side while Rostyn Griffiths and Diaz scored for Mumbai City.
Team News
For Mumbai City, Yoell van Nieff is currently on 7 yellow cards and on the brink of suspension. Diaz and Vikram Partap Singh are also in the same boat with 3 bookings each, and all need to be wary that they do not miss the monumental clash against Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Apuia is set to return having served his suspension against Hyderabad but Iker Guarrotxena and Ayush Chikkara continue to miss the action due to injuries.
For Odisha, Ahmed Jahouh has picked up 7 yellow cards and is teetering on the cliff for suspension while Pranjal Bhumij, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Princeton Rebello, Jerry Lalrinzuala, and Amrinder Singh are also all on 3 yellow cards and need to watch out for suspensions.
Predicted Starting XIs
Mumbai City (4-1-4-1): Phurba Lachenpa; Hmingthanmawia, Rahul Bheke, Mehtab Singh, Akash Mishra; Thaer Krouma; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Alberto Noguera, Jakub Vojtuš, Vikram Partap Singh; Jorge Pereyra Diaz
Odisha (4-2-3-1): Amrinder Singh; Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Delgado, Jerry Lalrinzuala; Ahmed Jahouh, Puitea; Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Princeton Rebello, Isak Vanlalruatfela; Diego Mauricio
Prediction
The stakes are high in this fixture but it is hard to see Odisha upsetting the odds against Mumbai City under the lights of the Mumbai Football Arena. The Islanders will be up for it, knowing that a win will all but guarantee them the Indian Super League Shield once again this season.