Preview: Underdogs Odisha look to crush Mumbai City FC's ACL ambitions

While a win can help the Islanders in their quest for the top spot, the Juggernauts will be playing for pride.

Bottom-placed Odisha FC host AFC Champions League chasers Mumbai City FC in their 19th game of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 season on Wednesday. The game is of utmost importance for the Islanders, as they look to cement their place for the ACL group stage for the next season.

Whereas for the Juggernauts, the game is just about pride, as they find themselves at the bottom of the table with just one win in 18 matches. The team would be looking to derail the Islanders' ACL ambitions.

The Stakes

Odisha FC

The Juggernauts don’t really have anything at stake at this moment. They were out of the playoffs race a long while ago and they are certain to finish at the bottom this season. The team will miss interim head coach Gerald Peyton, who has left the team for personal reasons to stay closer to his family in Japan. In his absence, former India international Steven Dias will take care of the side for the remaining two games.

Mumbai City FC

It is a do-or-die game for Sergio Lobera's side, if they want to claim the ACL spot. However, the Islanders are not in the best of form right now, as they faced two back-to-back losses against Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC.  The team would require a mental turnaround against a side like Odisha, who would be wishing to play spoilsport before bowing out of the competition. A good win here will brighten their chances before the big game against current league leaders ATK Mohun Bagan.

Team News

Odisha FC

Steven Dias’ Odisha FC will have a full squad  at their disposal against Mumbai City.

Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City FC’s star man Hugo Boumous will be the only notable absentee for the game against Odisha as he is serving the third of a four-match suspension for abusing the referee.

Probable playing XI

Odisha FC

Arshdeep; Dhot, Tratt, Taylor, Pradhan; Sarangi, Inman, Ramfangzuava, Daniel; Onwu, Mauricio.

Mumbai City FC

Amrinder; Amey, Fall, Santana, Mandar; Rowlin, Jahouh; Jackichand, Cy, Bipin; Ogbeche.

Head-to-head

https://youtu.be/h9vf3UhpYHc

Historically, in the three games played between these two sides, Odisha FC hold a better record as they have won two out of three games contested between two sides. However, the home side lost the reverse fixture by two goals to nil earlier this season.

Man to Watch

Bradden Inman (Odisha FC)

Ever since the Australian moved to Odisha in January, the team has looked a different side from the midfield and attacking perspective. Unfortunately, the performance has not changed in the results' perspectiveM but it will be very sweet if the game results in a win for the host.

Bartholomew Ogbeche (Mumbai City)

The 36-year-old Nigerian will be a player to look out for in the game, as Mumbai City FC will look to have a physical advantage in the box. Moreover, the onus of the attack will be on him, as Hugo Boumous will miss the game and Adam le Fondre will likely miss out due to his recent below-par performances.

Did You Know?

• Ahmed Jahouh has collected four yellow cards and two red cards this season, the most by any player.
• If Odisha FC lose the upcoming game they would equal Hyderabad FC’s record of most losses in a season (12)
• Steven Dias would be the third coach in-charge of Odisha this season, after Stuart Baxter and Gerald Peyton.

Telecast

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