ISL 2023-24: Reunion at Kalinga as Odisha FC take on Mumbai City

Many Odisha FC players have played for Mumbai City in the ISL.

Mumbai City FC have stepped up to the ISL 2023-24 plate with a victory against NorthEast United FC. Des Buckingham and his team enjoyed a magnificent game against the Highlanders after their disappointing start against Nassaji Mazandaran in the AFC Champions League last week.

Odisha FC also started their ISL campaign with a win against Chennaiyin FC. The Islanders are going to see a couple of familiar faces in the opposition, when both the teams face each other on Thursday.

One day prior to the fixture, let’s have a look at what the encounter has to offer:

The Stakes

Odisha FC

During their inaugural AFC Cup match against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, a deluge of goals poured in during the second half amid a heavy downpour, shattering 10-man Odisha FC's hopes of a promising start to the continental competition. 

Sergio Lobera's team delivered a commanding performance in their debut match of the 10th edition of the Indian Super League however. Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Diego Maurício were the goal-scorers for Odisha FC as they clinched an ecstatic victory. They will hope to replicate the same against Mumbai City FC at the Kalinga!

Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City FC won their first match against NorthEast United, thanks to a first half brace by their talisman Jorge Pereyra Diaz. This triumph provided a significant morale boost to the team following their recent defeat against Nassaji Mazandaran in the AFC Champions League.

The Islanders are facing back-to-back away matches on their schedule. Their head coach, Des Buckingham, has acknowledged this challenge and is optimistic that his team will overcome travel fatigue to stay in good physical conditions and maintain their freshness.

Injury & Team News

No injuries have been reported for Odisha FC. However, Narender Gahlot and Aniket Jadhav will miss this game due to national duty.

Phurba Lachenpa was absent from the match against NorthEast United due to an injury sustained during pre-match training. Additionally, Gurkirat Singh is currently representing the national team in the Asian Games.

Head-to-Head

Both teams have played 18 games in total. Odisha FC have won five direct matches. Mumbai City FC won 10 matches. Three matches ended in a draw. 

Predicted Line-ups

Odisha FC

Amrinder Singh, Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Delgado, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Puitea, Ahmed Jahouh, Lenny Rodrigues, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Diego Mauricio

Mumbai City FC

Mohammad Nawaz, Rahul Bheke, Rostyn Griffiths, Mehtab Singh, Akash Mishra, Apuia, Yoëll van Nieff, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Greg Stewart, Bipin Singh, Jorge Pereyra Diaz

Players to Watch

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

Mauricio just didn’t replace Roy Krishna but encouraged the momentum of his team against Chennaiyin FC. He scored the second goal for Sergio Lobera’s side and secured their win. Containing him will be a huge task for the likes of Griffiths and Mehtab.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Mumbai City FC)

A sniper in the box for the Islanders, Diaz proved to be too good for the Highlanders in Mumbai City FC's opening match. He scored a brace and secured the win for his team. Although Mourtada Fall and Ahmed Jahouh are familiar faces to him, containing Diaz presents a whole different challenge.

Did You Know?

• Last time both teams faced each other, Mumbai City FC had the upper hand.
• Odisha FC’s current head coach Sergio Lobera, won the league double with Mumbai City FC in 2020-21.
• Odisha FC foreigners Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall and Cy Goddard have been part of the Mumbai City setup previously.

Telecast

The ISL 2023-24 match between Odisha FC and Mumbai City FC will be played at the Kalinga Stadium on Thursday, 28 September, at 8 PM IST. It will be telecasted live on Sports18 1 TV channel. Free live streaming will be available on the JioCinema app in multiple languages.