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Bengaluru Vs Odisha Preview: Can Blues put an end to winless streak?

Published at :January 23, 2021 at 7:43 PM
Modified at :January 23, 2021 at 7:43 PM
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Waseem


Both outfits are hoping for a turn of fortunes in the competition.

Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC are feeling the heat in the ongoing Indian Super League 2020-21 season. BFC are struggling to find any rhythm and have gone without a win in the last six games. OFC on the other hand are also without a victory in their last three since winning against Kerala Blasters.

Carles Cuadrat lost his job owing to the poor form the Blues are in and Stuart Baxter is also staring at the exit door as his team rot at the bottom place in the league table. Both outfits desperately need the three points to turn the tides in their favour. Given the scenario and desperation, the upcoming clash between the two promises to be high on entertainment for the fans and the neutrals.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC’s season has gone from bad to worse. After a shaky start to the term, they have slumped to five defeats in their last six games. The team that is in contention of a playoffs spot every year is quickly running out of time. They are four points behind fourth placed Hyderabad FC and could be leapfrogged by KBFC, if they win their match against FC Goa. This is definitely an uncharted territory for BFC and Naushad Moosa seems to be crumbling under the pressure.

They need to pounce on the opportunity and take three points against Odisha, a team that is struggling on multiple levels. This fixture could be a make or break for the players and the interim coach.

While Stuart Baxter and Co have been performing better than they started the season, they still need to improve a lot in many areas. They are at the rock-bottom in the standings and need to add to the only victory they managed against KBFC. If the performance does not translate into results soon, then the tactician might find his head on the chopping block. 

While facing BFC is always a tall ask, the Blues are wounded at the moment. The Juggernauts are in perfect place to gain a victory over the strugglers, who have not performed to the levels expected of them.

Team News

The squad is relatively free of injury concerns and the Englishman could stick with the 4-3-3 setup instead of a three centre-back system. Udanta Singh should start on the right wing again as he looks more comfortable in the role. As for the starting lineup, Moosa could start the same set of players from the previous game. Dimas Delgado will not feature, as he has flown back to Spain owing to a family emergency.

Odisha FC will take a decision on Steven Taylor’s fitness, as he missed out last time against HFC. Newly-recruited Rakesh Pradhan impressed on his debut and should see himself in the starting XI again. Marcelinho might not feature since his disappointing display against Chennaiyin FC. Baxter could stick with 4-4-2 formation and start both Manuel Onwu and Diego Mauricio together upfront.

Head-to-Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJo1gG9Z5-8
WATCH: Bengaluru FC defeated Odisha FC 2-1 the last time they met

Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC have clashed five times yet, with the Blues securing victory on four occasions. Their last meeting ended in a 2-1 victory for the Bengaluru-based outfit.

Probable Lineups

Bengaluru FC: Sandhu; Bheke, Juanan, Gonzalez, Chaudhari; Wangjam, Paartalu, Morajkar; Udanta, Silva, Chhetri.

Odisha FC: Arshdeep; Dhot, Bora, Tratt, Pradhan; Rai, Alexander, Jerry, Lalhlimpuia; Onwu, Mauricio.

Man to Watch

Cleiton Silva (Bengaluru FC)

Cleiton Silva looks to be the only attacker that has looked sharp and performed consistently for Bengaluru this term. The Brazilian has scored four goals in the competition, including one in the previous game against KBFC.

When these two teams last met, Silva was adjudged as the Hero of the Match after scoring the winning goal. The Juggernauts will be wary of the forward yet again and must contain him to prevent the opposition from scoring. 

Cole Alexander (Odisha FC)

Odisha FC’s workhorse in the middle, Cole Alexander is the key element for Baxter’s side. He is a box-to-box midfielder who has impressed with his industrious performances in the debut campaign. The midfielder was the skipper in the absence of Steven Taylor and scored the leveller against Hyderabad FC.

Alexander is crucial to Odisha’s pressing and transitions. He can carry the ball up the field and also provide cover to the defenders on the backfoot. The South African is extremely adept at intercepting and blocking passing lines and will be a handful for the opposition.  

Did You Know?

  • Bengaluru FC’s last victory in the ISL came against Odisha FC in the reverse fixture.
  • BFC (160) and OFC (155) have conceded the least amount of fouls in the ISL yet.
  • Bengaluru FC have never finished outside of the playoffs spot in the ISL. 

Telecast

The match between Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC is set to be telecast live on Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD (English), Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3. Live streaming of the match will also be available on Disnep+Hotstar and Jio TV.

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