Mohun Bagan SG take on Mumbai City FC for the top spot in ISL

Both Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan SG remain unbeaten in ISL 2025–26 so far

Mohun Bagan SG look to get back to winning ways in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 when they host Mumbai City FC at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Friday (20 March 2026).

With these two sides only being separated by two points on top of the ISL table, this is a match where the result decides who gets the top spot in the league table and winning it could be crucial for either team’s ambitions of lifting the title at the end of the campaign.

The Stakes

Mohun Bagan SG

Mohun Bagan SG suffered their first minor setback under Sergio Lobera after being held to a 0-0 draw by Bengaluru FC in their recent ISL clash.

That marked the first time they dropped points in the 2025-26 season, but relatively favorable results elsewhere helped them maintain their place on top of the table.

However, the Mariners realize that if they’re not able to turn up their tempo and get back to winning ways immediately, it could have nasty consequences to their title hopes.

Lobera will need his side to maintain their high-pace rhythm in attacking play, but will need his players to be way more clinical in finishing off chances than they were in the last game.

A commanding win over a side like Mumbai City will definitely help the players regain their self-belief, but dropping points for the second straight game could cause unfavorable doubts to start creeping in upon their title aspirations.

Mumbai City

Mumbai City have not exactly been at their ruthless best in the first five matches of the 2025-26 ISL campaign, but they’ve at least avoided any defeats to be firmly in the title race.

The Islanders are coming off a narrow win over Inter Kashi where lady luck definitely favoured them, and the Islanders need to be much more efficient to get anything from Mohun Bagan SG. Petr Kratky will need to shape his side to keep a really sturdy defensive line to frustrate the Mariners, if they’re aspiring to get anything positive from this clash.

They’ll also need to convert their chances clinically to stun the Mariners and be able to get another big result in Kolkata. A potential win for Mumbai City will help them jump over the Mariners in the title race and increase the team morale in the title race.

However, suffering a loss would cause them to fall quite far away from the title race and cause frustrations within the squad.

Team News

For Mohun Bagan SG, Asish Rai remains out for the remainder of the campaign. Robson Robinho still has doubts over his fitness and must pass a late fitness test to be available for this one.

Mumbai City will be without their defender Hmingthanmawia Ralte (Valpuia), after he was sent off against Inter Kashi.

Head-to-Head Record

Matches Played – 14

Mumbai City wins – 7

Mohun Bagan SG wins – 2

Draws – 5

Predicted Lineups

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

Vishal Kaith (GK), Abhishek Singh, Mehtab Singh, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose, Anirudh Thapa, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Jason Cummings, Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren

Mumbai City FC (4-3-3)

Phurba Lachenpa (GK), Sanjeev Stalin, Nuno Reis, Bijay Chhetri, Akash Mishra, Joni Kauko, Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Jorge Ortiz, P.N Noufal, Ayush Chhikara

Players to Watchout

Dimitri Petratos (Mohun Bagan SG)

Dimitri Petratos has definitely benefitted from Sergio Lobera arriving as Mohun Bagan SG manager, with the Australian forward now having a pivotal role in his system.

The 33-year-old is getting way more freedom in the frontline to move into the empty pockets and be a pest for opposition players, which he’ll aim to maintain against Mumbai City.

Petratos has three goal contributions (two goals, one assist) so far and will be eager to get back amongst the goals against the Islanders.

He’ll look to be smart with his link-up play and off-the-ball movement to sneak into the danger areas, and aim to send in quality passes into the final third to torment Mumbai City and also finish off chances efficiently to thrill the Salt Lake Stadium faithful once again.

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City)

Lallianzuala Chhangte has played a decisive role in Mumbai City’s unbeaten start to the 2025-26 ISL season, being able to come up with crucial goals at regular intervals.

He’s already scored three goals in five matches so far and is one of the best performing Indian players in the ISL this season. Chhangte will now look to prove how good he can be against the ISL’s best by leading the Mumbai City FC frontline with vigor against the Mariners.

He’ll need to be particularly clever with his movement and execution to get his side into the danger areas. Chhangte has to be lively in the final third and convert whatever chances come his way ruthlessly to stun Mohun Bagan SG and guide his side to a famous win.

Did you know?

• The last five matches between Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City in the ISL have seen 18 goals scored.
• Jorge Ortiz has averaged 2.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in the 2025-26 ISL, the highest for any player after five matchdays.
• Dimitri Petratos has created 20 goal-scoring chances in the 2025-26 ISL, the most in the competition so far.

Broadcast Details

The match between Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC will take place on Friday, 20 March (2026) at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.

The match will begin at 7:30 PM IST. It will be shown live on Sony Ten 2 & Sony Ten 2 HD, as well as be available for live-streaming on Fancode.

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.