ISL 2023-24: Mohun Bagan eye AFC Cup revenge over Odisha FC

Not even 10 days back Mohun Bagan were heavily defeated by Odisha FC at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant will aim to get revenge over their AFC Cup elimination when they host Odisha FC in their upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) clash on Wednesday, 6 December.

The Mariners are not only looking to get one over the Juggernauts but also maintain their perfect win record and keep climbing up the ISL table to get near the top spot.

The Stakes

Mohun Bagan

Mohun Bagan were stunned by Odisha FC in their do-or-die AFC Cup group stage clash, suffering a shocking 5-2 loss at the Salt Lake Stadium. The only thing they can do now is move on and get one over Odisha to help heal the wounds of the last defeat. Fortunately for Juan Ferrando, his side has been on fire in the ISL.

They’ve won all their five matches so far and show little signs of stopping. A win over a possible title contender in Odisha can significantly improve the squad’s momentum and help them set themselves up nicely to soar in the tough December period. Another loss can ruin their momentum gained in the ISL and perhaps cause a blow to their charge to the first spot.

Odisha FC

Odisha FC have finally started to find their groove under Sergio Lobera, winning all their last five games across all competitions. They’re playing more efficient, progressive football and starting to prove their quality as title challengers. But now their major task is to prove that the win over the Mariners a few days back was not a fluke.

Another win at the Salt Lake Stadium can significantly improve their chances of topping the chart and also damage the momentum of their title rivals. A draw won’t be that bad a result, but a loss can potentially derail the momentum picked up by the side over the last few weeks.

Injury  & Team News

Manvir Singh and Dimitri Petratos are still major doubts for the Mariners after sustaining injuries last month. Anwar Ali is also likely to be out for this clash, while Ashique Kuruniyan is a long-term absentee.

Head-to-Head

Games played – 9

Mohun Bagan wins – 5

Odisha FC wins – 1

Draw – 3

Predicted Lineups

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

Vishal Kaith (GK), Brendan Hamill, Hector Yuste, Subhasish Bose, Asish Rai, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco, Hugo Boumous, Kiyan Nassiri, Jason Cummings

Odisha FC (4-3-3)

Amrinder Singh (GK), Amey Ranawade, Narender Gahlot, Carlos Delgado, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ahmed Jahouh, Puitea, Cy Goddard, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Aniket Jadhav, Roy Krishna

Players to Watch

Hugo Boumous (Mohun Bagan)

Hugo Boumous has been one of Mohun Bagan’s most consistent attacking players this season. He was in fine form in the last game against Odisha, scoring and assisting; contributing to the two goals. In the ISL, he has created 10 chances for them in five games but is yet to be rewarded with an assist. He even averages over 50 passes per game.

Boumous is thriving in this free role where he can move into the pockets of spaces easily and force his team forward. The midfielder needs to be at his inspiring best against Odisha, sneaking into those empty areas and delivering the final passes with pinpoint accuracy as well as getting himself in goal-scoring situations.

Cy Goddard (Odisha FC)

Cy Goddard has proven to be a valuable addition to Odisha FC and has been a great fit to Lobera’s system, having previously worked with him at Mumbai City. The 26-year-old already has two assists in five ISL appearances this season and tormented the Mariners in the last game (AFC Cup), even scoring a clever goal.

Goddard is a real unpredictable threat with his slick movement in midfield and ability to get into promising positions. He is blessed with an impressive passing ability and creativity, which he’ll aim to use to create major chances for Roy Krishna & co. in the box. Goddard will also look to get one over Mohun Bagan again by sneaking into promising areas and tormenting the goalkeeper with his clever shots.

Did you know?

• Mohun Bagan have maintained the best passing accuracy for any side in the ISL this season, averaging 368.6 passes per 90 minutes.
• Ahmed Jahouh has averaged more passes per game (60.4) and has the most accurate long balls (11.6) per 90 minutes for any player in this ISL edition.
• Sahal Abdul Samad has provided four assists in five ISL appearances for the Mariners, the joint-most for any player in the league.

Telecast

The Mohun Bagan vs Odisha FC game kicks off at 8 PM IST, at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on 6 December. Live telecast of the fixture will be available on Sports18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 Channel). Live streaming of the game will be available on the JioCinema app. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.