Preview: Desperate Odisha FC face Mumbai City test

The Islanders will look to replicate their previous game's performance against the Juggernauts.

Mumbai City FC will take on Stuart Baxter’s Odisha FC at the GMC Stadium, Bambolim on Saturday. Both the teams have endured contrasting fates in the season so far. Sergio Lobera’s men have notched two victories in their three games, whereas the Juggernauts have succumbed to defeat twice until now. 

Baxter’s side have just a solitary point to show for their efforts, which they bagged through a 2-2 draw against Jamshedpur FC in their second game of the campaign. However, the former South African national team head coach is known to possess incredible acumen of the game. This game could result in a very close tactical battle, provided that the teams field their full strength playing XI. 

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

After two underwhelming outings, the Islanders really came into their own in the match against SC East Bengal. Lobera’s men rolled over the Red and Gold, as an Adam Le Fondre brace meant that they secured a 3-0 victory over the new ISL entrants. The onus will be on the side to maintain this momentum going ahead. Given the squad that they have assembled, finishing in the first two spots in the points table will be a priority. 

For that, the metropolis club cannot let complacency creep into their approach at any point of the season. They will be eager to catch up with ATK Mohun Bagan, as the Kolkata-based club are sitting comfortably atop the standings, with nine points to their name. Certainly, Lobera has harboured higher expectations from his side. Hence, Mumbai will be targeting no less than three points, especially against an Odisha FC unit who are still finding their feet in the competition. 

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Odisha FC

Odisha FC were extremely active in the transfer market, signing promising talents aplenty. They also roped in a few established international stars to provide a fine balance to the squad. However, the prediction right from the onset was that their domestic contingent will take some time to really get into the thick of the action. That’s what seems to be transpiring currently, as the team seems to be all over the place. They perhaps need a more refined, consistent approach in the upcoming encounter against a high-flying Mumbai City team. 

It is all the more important given that the Indian players in Odisha’s lineup cannot afford to take a hit to their confidence early on in the season. The club have several talented domestic lads on their roster, but it would arguably require some patience to witness them click together consistently. However, the nature of the league is such that teams find it complicated to arrest a downward spiral and coach Baxter will have to remain wary of that, as he prepares his team for the upcoming fixture. 

Team News

Mumbai City FC

Concerns persist over Raynier Fernandes’ fitness after the midfielder had limped off the field in the first game against NorthEast United. He hasn’t made it to the matchday squad since and there is suspense over the length of time that he will remain out of the scheme of things. 

Odisha FC

There were doubts over Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Vinit Rai for the game against ATK Mohun Bagan and the two players were kept out of the 20-man squad. Hence, those two could possibly turn up against Mumbai. 

Head-to-Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nL1tu7ZyxM

Since Delhi Dynamos FC were rebranded to Odisha FC in 2019, the team have maintained an unbeaten record against the Islanders. Josep Gombau led Odisha to two consecutive victories over Mumbai in 2019-20 and that is a stat Lobera will be keen to change in the upcoming game. 

Probable Lineups

Mumbai City FC: Amrinder (GK); Rakip, Fall, Santana, Vignesh; Jahouh, Borges; Bipin, Boumous, Mandar; Le Fondre.

Odisha FC: Kamaljit (GK); Sarangi, Taylor, Tratt, Antonay; Bora, Alexander; Nandhakumar, Marcelinho, Premjit; Mauricio.

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Man to Watch

Adam Le Fondre (Mumbai City FC) 

https://youtu.be/EWngeuKxciM?t=32

The Englishman has had a fine start to his stint in India, having netted thrice in as many appearances. Le Fondre has demonstrated tremendous work-rate, an ability to interlink well with other players and a ruthless efficiency in front of goal. His partnership with Hugo Boumous upfront is one of the key facets to watch out for as the season progresses. 

In this game, the 34-year-old will come up against a fine defensive partnership of Steven Taylor and Jacob Tratt. The robust duo will present a tough challenge for the marksman. Baxter will work toward putting up a stringent, disciplined defensive effort and Le Fondre will have to sweat it out to overcome these obstacles.  

Cole Alexander (Odisha FC)

Mumbai City FC focused on asserting their dominance at the middde of the park against Robbie Fowler’s men. They will adopt a similar approach this time around and Cole Alexander will be integral to countering that. Alexander will face a stern challenge, but he has delivered solid performances so far. The South African has recorded a passing accuracy of 80% along with eight tackles, four interceptions and clearances as well as three blocks. 

He has made 47.5 passes on an average per game, which is starkly lesser than Jahouh’s 60.5 and Borges’ 65.67 respectively. They individually outnumber Alexander in terms of tackles too, as Jahouh and Borges have 17 and 15 of them to their name so far. Baxter’s trusted aide will have to be Odisha’s engine in the middle of the park, pulling the strings and supplying some incisive balls into the final third. 

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Did You Know? 

• None of the foreigners who participated in the two contests between Mumbai City and Odisha FC last season are associated with these teams anymore. 
• Hugo Boumous (19) and Marcelinho (18) are the two players to have provided the highest number of assists in the history of the ISL. Both of them could start in the crucial No. 10 for their respective teams. 
• Marcelinho has failed to score or assist a goal in his last three appearances against Mumbai City FC.

Telecast

The match between Mumbai City FC and Odisha FC will be telecast live on Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD (English), Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & 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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