Preview: Odisha, East Bengal look to finish season with win

The two sides have had underwhelming campaigns each.

Odisha FC host SC East Bengal in their ultimate game of the Indian Super League 2020-21 season. Both teams are out of contention to qualify for the playoffs and will be aiming to finish the campaign on a high. Moreover, they will be looking to give bench players a taste of the ISL before the season ends.

The Stakes

Odisha FC had a disastrous season. The Juggernauts lost 12 times in 19 games so far. They have already equalled the record of most losses in a single campaign which was previously held by Hyderabad FC in the last season. If they fail to win against the Red and Gold, they would hold another unwanted record of least wins in a single campaign. With just pride at stake, the team from Bhubaneswar would be hoping to put smiles on their fans’ face before bowing out.

Like their counterparts, SC East Bengal do not have anything apart from pride at stake. The Red and Gold, however, would be hoping to finish in the 8th position above former champions Chennaiyin FC. A win would possibly be a better way to conclude with their debut season in the league.

Team News

Odisha FC will have full strength squad available for the final game of the season.

SC East Bengal will have head coach Robbie Fowler returning to the touchline. Raju Gaikwad, Danny Fox, Bright Enobakhare will all miss out due to suspensions.

Head-to-Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIcxK9fXHts

Both the teams have played each other once and East Bengal came out on top in the game played earlier this season.

Predicted Lineups

Odisha FC: Arshdeep (GK); Kamalpreet, Dhot, Tratt, Pradhan; Jerry, Ramfangzauva, Inman, Bodo, Onwu, Mauricio

SC East Bengal: Mirshad (GK); Ankit, Golui, Neville, Gharami; Steinmann, Haobam, Chhetri, Jairu; Jeje, Halloway

Man to Watch

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

Diego Mauricio has scored the highest number of goals for Odisha FC this season (11). And once again, the onus will be on him to provide the goals. He would like to better his numbers against a new-look East Bengal defence.

Matti Steinmann (SC East Bengal)

The German has been one of the few consistent performers for the Kolkata giants and Robbie Fowler would be expecting him to continue with that in the last game of the season. Steinmann's midfield battle with Paul Ramfangzuava and Bradden Inman will be one to watch out for.

Did You Know

• If Odisha FC lose this game, they would create a record of most losses in a single season (13).
• If Odisha FC does not win this game they would  create a record of least victory in a season (1)
• SC East Bengal bagged their first win of the ongoing season when they defeated Odisha FC in the reverse fixture.

Telecast

he match between Odisha FC and SC East Bengal will be live on Star Sports 1 & 1HD, Star Sports 2 & 2HD (ENGLISH), Star Sports 3 (HINDI) and several other regional languages. The match will also be available for live streaming on JioTV and Disney+Hotstar.