Preview: Odisha FC eye maiden win over ATK Mohun Bagan

The game will be crucial in the race for the playoffs spot.

ATK Mohun Bagan will lock horns with Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) on Saturday, 28 January, 2023 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. Both teams are aiming to finish amongst the top six places in the league table to make it to the playoffs for the 2022-23 season.

The reverse fixture saw both teams share the spoils. Considering the strength on paper in both camps, the upcoming fixture will surely be an exciting one. It is difficult to predict which of the two outfits will come out on top. However, one thing can be assured, there will be a lot of entertainment for the fans and the neutrals.

Here is what to expect from the ATK Mohun Bagan vs Odisha FC clash in the ISL 2022-23:

The Stakes

ATK Mohun Bagan

ATK Mohun Bagan’s form in the last few matches has been inconsistent. The outfit is struggling to produce results and has only one win in the last five matches. Failing to win against the Kalinga Warriors will raise a few eyebrows and increase pressure on their head coach Juan Ferrando.

Odisha FC

Odisha FC too, have lost momentum in recent matches. With only one win in the last six outings, the Kalinga Warriors are hanging on by a thread in the race for playoff spots. It is imperative for the club to finish the season in a robust manner with teams like Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC waiting to overtake them in the standings. A win will go a long way in strengthening their claim for one of the playoff qualification spots.

Injury & Team News

ATK Mohun Bagan currently have a fit squad apart from Florentin Pogba, Joni Kauko and Deepak Tangri, who have suffered long-term injuries.

Odisha FC will miss Michael Soosairaj and Shubham Sarangi. However Isak Vanruatfela has joined training. Also, new signing Aniket Jadhav might appear in the matchday squad.

Head-to-Head

ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC have locked horns five times in the ISL.

ATK Mohun Bagan - 2

Odisha FC - 0

Drawn - 3

Predicted Line-ups

ATK Mohun Bagan (4-2-3-1)

Vishal Kaith (GK), Asish Rai, Pritam Kotal, Brendan Hamill, Subhasish Bose, Puitea, Glan Martins, Liston Colaco, Federico Gallego, Hugo Boumous, Dimitri Petratos.

Odisha FC (4-3-3)

Amrinder Singh (GK), Narender Gahlot, Osama Malik, Carlos Delgado, Denechandra Meitei, Saul Crespo, Thoiba Singh, Raynier Fernandes, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Diego Mauricio, Nandhakumar Sekar.

Player to Watch

Hugo Boumous (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Hugo Boumous is the most consistent performer in the ATK Mohun Bagan line-up by a distance. The creative midfielder can single-handedly make a difference with his dribbling and finishing qualities. He has four goals in 13 fixtures this season, the second-highest for the club after 14 overall matches.

Odisha FC must keep a close eye on the midfielder. Overlooking his threat can cause a lot of problems for visitors.

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

Diego Mauricio has scored eight goals and delivered four assists in 14 appearances for the Juggernauts this season. The striker has a knack for coming up with crucial goals in pressure situations. The Odisha FC fans will hope that their star forward can turn up once again when the side faces ATK Mohun Bagan.

Diego Mauricio’s physicality and shooting from the range can be troublesome for any defence. Juan Ferrando will be aware of the threat Mauricio brings to the table and should strategize to limit his involvement in the match.

Did You Know?

• Odisha FC’s Jerry Mawihmingthanga won the FPAI Young Player of the Year award in 2019-20.
• Saul Crespo of Odisha FC is playing football away from Spain for the first time in his career.
• ATK Mohun Bagan have scored the least number of goals for a team in the top six positions.

Telecast

The match between ATK Mohun Bagan vs Odisha FC will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on 28th January, Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST. The fixture will be broadcasted by the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and Jio TV will also stream the game.