SC East Bengal Vs Odisha FC Preview: Both teams in search of maiden win

Both teams are yet to register their maiden victory in the league this season.

On Sunday, SC East Bengal will face Odisha FC in their next Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 game at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco, Goa. Interestingly, these two sides are the only remaining teams in the league to register a single win.

Needless to say, the above reason makes the upcoming fixture a one to watch. Because of similar ambitions, both teams will play with nothing to lose and a lot to prove. Although it's a battle between the bottom two sides in the league, it will still have a lot of entertainment to offer.

The Stakes

SC East Bengal

Life in the ISL did not go as planned for the Kolkata-outfit since their inclusion in the competition. Personnel problems, lethargic tactics and a lack of depth in squad has worsened the situation for head coach Robby Fowler. The team, as claimed by the gaffer, was built for the I-League rather than the ISL and as a response to the horrendous start to their campaign in the Indian top-flight, the club have made several changes to the squad in a bid to turn their fortunes around.

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Time is running out for the tactician and the fans are getting restless with every passing gameweek for points on the board. Realistically, a play-off position may not be attainable, but the team need a victory against fellow strugglers in Odisha FC to lift the spirits. The recent recruitment of former Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Bright Enobakhare also signals intent from the club to improve.

Odisha FC

Stuart Baxter’s maiden campaign in the ISL also seems to have taken an unexpected turn, with the gaffer himself bravely taking responsibility for the obvious failures of his team. Marred by the unavailability of players in the beginning and a lack of cohesion in the squad later on have cost Odisha FC a lot.

Ahead of facing SC East Bengal, Baxter would be hoping that Odisha FC will open the account for the season as the noose around his neck tightens with every passing gameweek without a win. They are at rock bottom in the league standings and will hope to collect all three points on Sunday, on the backdrop of slightly better performances in the last few games.

Team News

SC East Bengal

Ankit Mukherjee could feature in the matchday squad as he has joined the club after leaving ATK Mohun Bagan. He has trained with the squad too, despite not being announced officially by East Bengal yet.

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New signing Bright Enobakhare will most likely make it into the matchday squad too, after having completed the mandatory 14-day quarantine. His signing was officially confirmed by the club on Friday.

Although it is still unclear as to which foreign player might head out of the playing XI with Bright’s inclusion, it is likely to be Scott Neville is Ankit is a part of the squad. Players like Debjit Majumder, Narayan Das and Jacques Maghoma are assured starters.

Odisha FC

Marcelinho will be doubtful to start as he continues to play a cameo role in the Odisha FC squad with Baxter not requiring his services at the moment. The squad is relatively free of injuries at this point and the gaffer will have the luxury to choose his best playing XI.

Fans can expect the same 4-3-3 system to be employed as in the last few fixtures, with both Manuel Onwu and Diego Mauricio starting together, providing different aspects to the Juggernauts’ attack.

Probable Lineups

SC East Bengal: Majumder; Ankit, Singh, Fox, Das; Sehnaj, Steinman, Rafique, Maghoma; Bright, Pilkington.

Odisha FC: Arshdeep; Sarangi, Tratt, Taylor, Antonay; Alexander, Rai, Bora; Jerry, Onwu, Mauricio.

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Head-To-Head

This will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs in the Indian Super League, since the inclusion of SC East Bengal in the league happened this year.

Man-To-Watch

Matti Steinmann (SC East Bengal)

Matti Steinman has impressed everyone in his debut season in the ISL. He has looked a cut above the rest of the foreign players in SCEB and has been a reliable figure in the heart of their midfield.

He scored two vital goals for the Red & Gold Brigade in the last game against Chennaiyin FC, earning his team a well-deserved point.

His vision and composure on the ball are dangerous assets that can hurt any opposition. Odisha FC will need to crowd him out and attempt to prevent the midfielder from running the show in the center of the park.

Cole Alexander (Odisha FC)

Another midfielder that will be key for their team in the upcoming game is Cole Alexander. The South African ran his socks off and earned the title of Hero of the Match for his efforts against NorthEast United FC. His sensational strike in the 67th minute earned the Juggernauts a point and prevented yet another embarrassing defeat.

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Cole Alexander is the nucleus in OFC’s midfield and his work rate is second to none. His ability to intercept passes, putting tackles in and initiating turnovers are indispensable and the midfielder will play a huge role in turning Odisha’s fortunes around. This game is going to be decided by the competition in the midfield.

Did You Know?

• Both SCEB and OFC have the joint-worst attack in the league with only five goals scored by both outfits.
• Eugeneson Lyngdoh recently left East Bengal and is set to join Odisha FC this month.
• East Bengal’s new signing Bright Enobakhare has 49 appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he’s scored three goals and assisted one.

Telecast

The live telecast of the match between SC East Bengal FC and Odisha FC will be available on Star Sports 1 SD and HD, Star Sports 2 SD and HD (English), Star Sports Hindi 1 SD and HD, Star Sports 3 and several other regional languages. Live streaming of the match will be available on Hotstar and Jio TV.

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