Preview: Mumbai City aim to continue winning run against Odisha FC

None of the meetings between these sides have ended in draws.

After a two-day break, ISL 2022-23 will return to action in the new year with a clash between Odisha FC and Mumbai City. Even though the game is of vital importance to both sides, it is more essential for Odisha to get three points as they will be playing at home. Even after making a good start to the campaign, the Juggernauts are currently struggling. They have not won their last three games and lost the previous one against Kerala Blasters 1-0.

Mumbai City is yet to lose a game in the league. They are on a six-match winning streak whereby they have played some scintillating football in each encounter. In their last game, the Islanders defeated Chennaiyin FC 2-1 in Mumbai. Thus, it is expected that Des Buckingham's side will like to continue their winning momentum and go all-out for a win right from the start.

In light of these, let us take a look at what the encounter has to offer.

The Stakes

Odisha FC

With a single point from the last three games, Odisha's dream to finish on top of the table looks very bleak now. The team, thus, cannot afford to lose a single point on Monday. Even their sixth position on the table looks dubious with teams like Chennaiyin and East Bengal knocking on the door. Hence, on Monday, Odisha FC shall look to take the game to Mumbai to earn the much-needed three points. In addition, Odisha will like to avenge their first-leg defeat against the Islanders.

Odisha FC are currently placed sixth on the points table, with 19 points from 11 games. A win will take them to 22 points and level them with fourth-placed Kerala Blasters.

Mumbai City

A win will make Mumbai City overtake Hyderabad FC and climb to the top of the table. This fact is enough to make one understand the importance of the game for Mumbai. Des Buckingham's men have looked hungry for the top spot this season. Hence, we can expect the Islanders to continue their momentum and go for all three points against a slightly deflated Odisha FC.

Mumbai City are currently placed in the second position, with 27 points from 11 games. Having played one game lesser than Hyderabad, who have 28 points, three points will make the Islanders the real table-toppers.

Injury & Team News

Odisha FC have a fully fit squad apart from Michael Soosairaj for the Mumbai City game. Isak Vanruatfela has however, gone back home due to some personal reasons.

Mumbai City too, have a complete roster ahead of the match. Only Amey Ranawade is unavailable since he's out for the season.

Head-to-Head

To date, Odisha FC and Mumbai City have met seven times in the ISL.

Played - 7

Odisha FC - 3

Mumbai City - 4

Drawn - 0

Predicted Line-ups

Odisha FC (4-3-3)

Amrinder Singh (GK); Narender Gahlot, Osama Malik, Carlos Delgado, Sahil Panwar; Isaac Vanmalsawma, Saul Crespo, Thoiba Singh; Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Pedro Martin, Nandhakumar Sekar

Mumbai City (4-3-3)

Phurba Lachenpa (GK); Rahul Bheke, Rostyn Griffiths, Mehtab Singh, Mandar Rao Dessai; Apuia, Greg Stewart, Ahmed Jahouh; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Bipin Singh

Player to Watch

Osama Malik (Odisha FC)

Osama was the best player for Odisha in their last day's defeat to Kerala Blasters. He played superbly and made several goal-saving tackles and blocks. Thus, it is expected that he will start for Odisha on Monday, in the game against Mumbai.

With the likes of Chhangte, Bipin, and Pereyra Diaz, Mumbai has one of the best attacking line-ups in the league. In order to maintain a clean sheet and secure a victory, Josep Gombau will definitely give Malik the added responsibility of preventing the high-flying Mumbai attackers from running freely.

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City)

Chhangte is perhaps the best Indian player this season. He is in scintillating form and has scored in almost every game. He is currently the highest Indian goal scorer with five goals. In their game against Chennaiyin, he netted the equaliser as well.

With his form, Chhangte can create havoc on the right wing. Gombau will be aware of the danger he possesses and would like to ensure that his defence does not provide Chhangte with any space.

Did You Know?

• Mumbai City defeated Odisha FC at Mumbai in their previous meeting.
• Amrinder Singh of Odisha FC won the League Winners' Shield and ISL Trophy as a Mumbai City player in the 2020-21 season.
• Odisha FC are on a three-game winless streak while Mumbai City come into the game on the back of six back-to-back wins.
• No ISL fixture between these sides has ever ended in a draw.

Telecast

The match between Odisha FC and Mumbai City will take place at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on January 2nd, 2023 (Monday). The kick-off time is 7:30 pm IST. The game will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match.