Bengaluru FC vs Mohammedan SC lineups, team news, prediction & preview

The Blues will be looking to bounce back with a win against the Black Panthers.

The Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC will be keen to get back to winning ways when they face Mohammedan SC in matchweek 16. Following a tough 2-1 loss against Jamshedpur FC in their last game, the Blues will look to rally their troops on Saturday.

Following back-to-back draws in their last two games, Mohammedan SC will themselves be looking to record their second win of the season in matchweek 16.

Coach Andrey Chernyshov’s men put up a resolute showing against NorthEast United FC in matchweek 15 to keep a clean sheet and earn a hard-fought point. However, facing the Blues at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium is a whole different proposition for the team situated at the bottom of the ISL standings.

The game promises to be an exciting clash featuring two teams looking to redeem themselves and bag all three points on Saturday.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

Under head coach Gerard Zaragoza, the Blues have been a force to reckon with this season. Despite their loss against Jamshedpur FC in matchweek 15, the club currently occupies the second place in the ISL standings with a slender lead over third-placed FC Goa. A team that has been unbeatable at home will be a huge challenge for any visiting team hoping to leave with a positive result.

At home, the Blues have played 7 games this season, winning 5 games and drawing on the other two occasions. The Spaniard head coach will be looking to maintain their momentum as they face Mohammedan SC. This clash promises to be another thrilling chapter in Bengaluru‘s push to close the gap on table-toppers Mohun Bagan Supergiants and challenge them for the ISL shield.

Mohammedan SC

It’s been a rough season for the Black Panthers under head coach Andrey Chernyshov following a glorious 2023-2024 season, where they gained promotion as I-League champions. The step-up in competition has not suited the Black Panthers who have managed to win only one game this season in the ISL.

Despite the lows, the Russian has witnessed promising signs in recent weeks from his men. The Black Panthers have drawn their last two games while managing to keep two clean sheets. Keeping teams like Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC, coached by two ISL coaching greats like Sergio Lobera and Pedro Benali at bay, the club have finally found something to salvage from the depths of despair this season.

While their relegation might be inevitable this season, coach Chernyshov’s men will be keen to hunt down more giants like Bengaluru FC before the end of the season.

ALSO READ: What happened when Mohun Bagan faced East Bengal in Kolkata derby last time in Guwahati

Team & Injury News

Andrey Chernyshov will be missing defensive midfielder Mohammed Kadiri through injury, having been ruled out for the season. On the other hand, Gerard Zaragoza will have a fully fit and available side for the upcoming game against the Black Panthers.

Head-to-head

Total Matches – 1

Bengaluru FC wins – 1

Mohammedan SC wins– 0

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineups

Bengaluru FC (4-3-3)

Gurpreet Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana, N Singh; Alberto Noguera, P Capo, Suresh Wangjam; Ryan Williams, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Sunil Chhetri

Mohammedan SC (4-4-1-1)

Bhaskar Roy (GK); Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak, Gaurav Bora, Florent Ogier, Sajad Hussain; Lalremsanga Fanai, Amarjit Kiyam, Mohamed Irshad, Makan Chothe; Alexis Gomez; Carlos Franca

Players to Watch

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

The 40-year-old has rediscovered his goal-scoring form this season, scoring nine goals in 14 ISL games this season. Chhetri has been a mainstay for the Blues since coming back into the starting lineup. His energy and work rate to get his teammates in the game, epitomizes his dedication to get a positive result for his team.

If Bengaluru are to do the double over Mohammedan SC this season, Sunil Chhetri will once again be the man to supply the goals. While Chhetri will certainly be the danger man, his teammates will look to capitalize on the opposition’s increased attention on him.

Alexis Gomez (Mohammedan SC)

The Argentine forward will have to shoulder the goalscoring duties for Mohammedan SC. He has been one of the best-performing players this season for the Black Panthers and will look to help his team get positive results in the remainder of the campaign.

The 24-year-old can operate as a winger and a striker for the Black Panthers, a versatile option that can trouble any opposition defense. His speed combined with his technical prowess makes him one of the most important assets for his side and a key player in what will be a challenging away game at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.

Did You Know?

• Bengaluru FC haven’t lost in any of their last 10 ISL home matches.
• Mohammedan SC haven’t won in any of their last 11 ISL matches.
• When Bengaluru FC leads 1-0 at home, they win 100% of their matches.
• When Mohammedan SC is down 1-0 away from home, they win 0% of their matches.

Telecast Details

The 2024-25 Indian Super League match between Bengaluru FC and Mohammedan SC will take place at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday (11 January).

It will kick off at 5:00 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Sports 18 and be available for streaming on Jio Cinema. International viewers can also watch the match on the OneFootball app.

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