Preview: Titans clash as Mumbai City meet Bengaluru FC in first-leg draw

Both teams have enjoyed record-breaking win streaks this season.

The first semi-final of the 2022-23 season is set to take place at the Mumbai Football Arena on 7th February 2023. Bengaluru FC enter the fixture on the back of nine straight wins in a row and will play the two-legged tie after beating Kerala Blasters 1-0 in the eliminator.

Mumbai City qualified for the semi-final after finishing as Shield Winners, topping the table with a record 46 points in group stages on the back of an 18-match unbeaten run. They look like a well-oiled unit under Des Buckingham, having scored 54 goals in the league stage.

Here is the detailed preview ahead of the mouth-watering knock-out clash.

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City will aim to become the first team to do the double (lift the Indian Super League and Shield) twice. They first achieved the feat in 2020-21. While they enter the knockouts following back-to-back defeats, Mumbai will want to get one over Bengaluru when it matters the most. It was Bengaluru who handed Mumbai their first taste of defeat this season with a 2-1 result at the Kanteerava.

Bengaluru FC

A dream run to the semi-final after being written off towards the end of 2022 has brought brimming smiles back for Bengaluru FC. Simon Grayson’s men have scripted an amazing comeback in the latter half of the season and will be desperate to hold on to their win streak. The underdog tag could benefit them and some away goals can pressurize the Islanders in the second leg.

Injury & Team News

It is a doubt if Rahul Bheke and Rostyn Griffiths will start for Mumbai City in the semi-final. Bengaluru FC have a fully fit squad.

Head-to-Head

The two teams have locked horns 12 times prior to this game.

MCFC wins: 6

BFC wins: 5

Draws: 1

Predicted Line-ups

Mumbai City FC: (4-3-3)

Phurba Lachenpa (GK), Sanjeev Stalin, Rostyn Griffiths, Mehtab Singh, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Ahmed Jahouh, Lalengmawia Ralte, Greg Stewart, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Bipin Singh

Bengaluru FC: (3-5-2)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Prabir Das, Sandesh Jhingan, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Bruno Ramires, Naorem Roshan Singh, Suresh Wangjam, Rohit Kumar, Javi Hernandez, Roy Krishna, Sivasakthi Narayanan

Player to Watch

Greg Stewart (Mumbai City FC)

Mumbai City’s premium signing has lived up to his lofty standards this season, contributing eight goals and seven assists. He has been the chief creator in midfield, tormenting opposition defenders with his defense-splitting passes and clever positioning. He picks the right spaces between the lines and can be the key to stretch the BFC defence.

Javi Hernandez (Bengaluru FC)

Another star midfielder who moved clubs and has made an instant impact, Javi’s set-piece mastery and range of passing has helped BFC regain lost ground and finish fourth on the table. The Spaniard has contributed immensely to his club’s win streak.

Did You Know?

• Bengaluru’s 4-0 defeat against Mumbai is their joint-highest in terms of goal difference in terms of goal difference.
• BFC’s record in ISL semi-finals: Played 3, won 2, lost 1
• MCFC’s record in ISL semi-finals: Played 3, won 1, lost 2

Telecast

The match between Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC will take place at the Mumbai Football Arena on March 7th (Tuesday). The kick-off time is 7:30 pm IST. The game will telecast live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match.