Mohammedan SC vs Odisha FC lineups, team news, prediction and preview

The Black Panthers will be keen to end their losing streak against the Juggernauts.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Mohammedan SC are set to host high-flying Odisha FC in what will be the first-ever encounter between both clubs in history. The fixture holds different stakes for both teams, with the two teams desperate for a win to achieve great things this season.

With the fixture scheduled to kick-off on December 27 at 7:30 PM at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, the encounter is sure to enthral ISL fans.

The Stakes

Mohammedan SC

Last season’s I-League champions and the debutants of ISL this year, are having a nightmare journey full of misfortune this season. They are having a tough time in the Indian top tier having accumulated five points in 12 games. The century-old club are trembling at the last spot and haven’t won or drawn in their last five games.

The side looked promising but now the spark seems to have gone missing with pressure piling on head coach Andrey Chernyshov. Losing points at home would further worsen their situation, and will mathematically make qualification for top-six spots virtually impossible.

Odisha FC

The Juggernauts have themselves also picked up form in recent weeks and are on a five-match unbeaten streak as they inch closer to the top-six spots. Under coach Lobera, Odisha FC have become much more stable defensively and have also uncovered their ruthless streak in the attack.

They’ll need to be very innovative and bullish in the final third to break what will be a Mohammedan backline determined to stop Odisha. A win can establish the Juggernauts as dark horses in the ISL league Shield race with a big win over the Black Panthers. Dropping points could see them create distance for all the bad reasons from Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC leading the pack.

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Team & Injury News

Mohammedan SC will be missing Mohammed Kadiri for the rest of the season owing to injury. Odisha FC will be missing their star forward Roy Krishna who has also been ruled out for the season through injury.

Head-to-Head Record

Matches Played – 0

Mohammedan Sporting Club wins – 0

Odisha FC wins – 0

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineups

Mohammedan Sporting Club (4-4-1-1)

Bhaskar Roy (GK); Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak, Gaurav Bora, Florent Ogier, Zodingliana Ralte; Lalremsanga Fanai, Amarjit Kiyam, Mirjalol Kasimov, Makan Chothe; Alexis Gomez; Carlos Franca

Odisha FC (4-2-3-1)

Amrinder Singh (GK); Amey Ranawade, Carlos Delgado, Thoiba Singh, Jerry Lalrinzuala; Ahmed Jahouh, Lalthathanga Khawlhring; Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Hugo Boumous, Isak Vanlalruetfela; Diego Mauricio

Players to Watch

Bhaskar Roy (Mohammedan SC)

The 30-year-old keeper has been the one player who has emerged as an important player for Mohammedan SC this season. Emerging as a dependable goalkeeper from Kolkata, Roy had a night to forget against Kerala Blasters FC in matchweek 13. The keeper has consistently showcased resilience and determination, striving to turn the tide for his struggling team.

His spirited performance in recent match weeks will be an example for his teammates to step up against Odisha. While the team will be the underdogs in Kolkata on Friday, Roy will be a vital player for the Black Panthers if they are to record a positive result against the Juggernauts.

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

The Brazilian striker has been in imperious form for the Juggernauts this season. With seven goals and three assists in 12 outings, Mauricio will once again be the danger man against Mohammedan. Coach Sergio Lobera will be looking at his in-form forward to be at his clinical best. Mauricio will have to be at his very best to break a Mohammedan SC defence, who will be looking to park the bus.

With Odisha FC being unbeaten in their last six games, Mauricio will be a key player for his teammates. With an assist in the last game against East Bengal FC, Mauricio will be keen to make valuable contributions in Kolkata on Friday.

Did You Know?

• Mohammedan Sporting Club haven’t scored in 3 of their last 6 games in the ISL this season.
• Odisha FC haven’t lost in their last 5 games in the ISL.
• When Mohammedan SC lead 1-0 in home games, they win 42 per cent of their games.

Telecast Details

The Mohammedan SC vs Odisha FC clash will take place on 27 December at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata. The match will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.

It will be shown live on the Sports 18 network and be streamed live on Jio Cinema. International viewers can watch the action on the OneFootball app.

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