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

A must-win game for Odisha FC as their playoff ambitions are slipping away.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Odisha FC will be facing immense pressure against Mohammedan SC. A must-win game for the Juggernauts as they face a Black Panthers side who have already missed out on playoff qualification.

As the clubs near the end of the regular season, each game has gained increased focus from ISL head coaches. A win for Sergio Lobera’s men keeps their playoff hopes alive, while a loss will mean the end of their playoff contention.

The Stakes

Odisha FC

The Juggernauts have struggled throughout the 2024-25 ISL campaign, having managed only one victory in their last five games. Odisha has slowly run out of steam towards the business end of the season and desperately needs wins in all their remaining games.

They currently sit seventh in the ISL standings with 29 points from 22 league games. A win against Mohammedan SC will be crucial for the club’s playoff hopes, which is fading away based on other results.

Mohammedan SC

The Black Panthers are playing for pride and will be keen to spoil the party for Odisha with a win in matchweek 24. With three games remaining in their season, the club will have the opportunity to give a good account of themselves against a team vying for a playoff spot.

While Mohammedan will be expected to field a strong side, Mehrajuddin Wadoo will be keen to try his luck against Odisha. Against the Juggernauts, the club has an opportunity to gather some positive momentum as they prepare to play next year in the I-League.

ALSO READ: ISL 2024-25: Teams who can still qualify for the ISL playoffs

Injury and Team News

The Juggernauts will be missing their star striker Roy Krishna, who was ruled out for the season after suffering a cruciate ligament tear injury.

The Black Panthers will be missing Mohammed Kadiri, who was ruled out for the season after suffering a collateral ligament tear injury.

Head-to-Head Record

Games Played: 1

Odisha FC wins: 0

Mohammedan SC wins: 0

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups

Odisha FC (4-2-3-1)

Amrinder Singh (GK), Rahim Ali, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Delgado, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ahmed Jahouh, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Hugo Boumous, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Diego Mauricio

Mohammedan SC (4-3-3)

Padam Chhetri (GK), Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak, Joseph Adjei, Gaurav Bora, Joe Zoherliana, Mohammed Irshad, Makan Chothe, Alexis Gomez, Lalremsanga Fanai, Bikash Singh, Carlos Franca

Players to Watch

Hugo Boumous (Odisha FC)

Boumous has enjoyed a prolific 2024-25 season with Odisha FC following his arrival from Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The Moroccan has been one of their biggest creative sparks with his proactive threat in the opposition half, managing four goals and six assists in 20 games.

He’ll be a player that the Mohammedan backline will be keen to neutralize due to his unpredictable movement and delivery, which can be troubling. If Odisha is gonna capture all three points for his side and retain their playoff ambitions, Boumous will need to be at his best.

Alexis Gomez (Mohammedan SC)

Gomez has been the lone bright spot for Mohammedan SC this season in an extremely challenging season. While the rest of the side has struggled to put together convincing performances, the Argentinian has held his ground and has consistently dropped in impactful performances.

The 24-year-old is a treat to watch and is known for his movements with the ball, and for his vision and creativity with the ball. In 19 appearances this season, Gomez has contributed with a goal and an assist. If Mohammedan have ambitions of returning to the ISL next year, they will need Gomez to be firing on all cylinders.

Did You Know?

• Odisha FC have conceded a goal in each of their last nine games this season.
• When Mohammedan SC leads 0-1 away from home, they win 100% of their matches.
• When Odisha FC leads 1-0 at home, they win 71% of their matches.
• Mohammedan SC scores 50 per cent of their goals between the minutes 76-90.

Telecast

The Odisha FC vs Mohammedan SC match will be played at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday (28th February 2025). The game will kick off at 07:30 PM IST.

The match will be shown live on the Sports 18 network and Star Sports 3. It will also be streamed online on Jio Hotstar. International viewers can also watch the game on One Football App.

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