Preview: Buoyant Odisha FC take on struggling SC East Bengal

The Red and Gold Brigade recently lost 3-0 to arch-rivals ATK Mohun Bagan.

SC East Bengal would want to get their first win of the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season, in their next game against Odisha FC. The Red and Gold Brigade come into this game after a 3-0 defeat in the Kolkata Derby against ATK Mohun Bagan. The Juggernauts, meanwhile, are in form and enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 victory over Bengaluru FC in their first game of the season.

On that note, here is Khel Now's preview for the upcoming clash:

The Stakes

Odisha FC

After their disappointing display last season, the Juggernauts couldn’t have asked for a better start to the new season. In their first game, the team from Bhubaneswar enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 victory against Bengaluru FC. Despite not having much of the ball, Odisha made easy work off Bengaluru, thanks to two goals from outside the box by midfielder Javi Hernandez. Forward Aridai Cabrera then finished the game off in stoppage time with a brilliant solo goal.

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Odisha FC would like to carry on that momentum as they look to get another three points, this time at the expense of SC East Bengal.

SC East Bengal

SC East Bengal have not had the best of starts to the season. The team from Kolkata are yet to register a win after playing two games. Their first match was a 1-1 draw against Jamshedpur FC, which was followed by a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of rivals ATK Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata Derby on Saturday.

The Red and Gold would like to register their first win of the season against the Juggernauts, but that will be easier said than done.

Team News

Odisha FC coach Kiko Ramirez will have his full squad to pick his starting eleven from. The same is not the case with SC East Bengal, as goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya among others are not fit.

The shot-stopper hurt himself during the defeat against his former side ATK Mohun Bagan, while attempting to defend against Liston Colaco's advances.

Head-to-Head

The two teams have met each other twice before, with both sides winning one game each. In the ISL 2020-21 season, SC East Bengal enjoyed a 3-1 victory against the Juggernauts in their home game. Later, they played out a 11-goal thriller in Odisha’s home match, which the club from Bhubaneswar won 6-5.

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Probable lineups

Odisha FC(4-3-3): Kamaljit Singh (GK); Hendry Antonay, Victor Mongil, Hector Rodas, Lalruatthara; Moirangthem, Javi Hernandez, Vinit Rai; Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Jonathas de Jesus, Nandhakumar Sekar.

SC East Bengal (3-4-3): Suvam Sen (GK); Raju Gaikwad, Franjo Prce, Tomislav Mrcela; Joyner Lourenco, L. Hnamte, Bikash Jairu, Amir Dervisevic; Naorem Mahesh Singh, Antonio Perosevic, Mohammed Rafique.

Man to Watch

Javi Hernandez (Odisha FC)

The Spaniard was in a class of his own in Odisha’s last match against Bengaluru FC. The midfielder scored a brace and both the goals, which included a brilliant free-kick, were scored from outside the box. It was not just his goal scoring that created a problem for the opposition. The 32-year old was also one of the most creative players on the field.

In order to get something out of the game, SC East Bengal must make sure that Javi is kept quiet in the middle of the park.

Antonio Perosevic (East bengal)

Easily the best player of East Bengal so far this season. The Croatian made an impressive debut against Jamshedpur FC, registering an assist in the 1-1 draw. His runs behind the defence are lethal for the oppositions, creating space and opportunities for his teammates. Perosevic will look to score his first goal in the ISL against the Juggernauts.

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Did You Know?

• The same fixture from last season, which ended in a 6-5 win for OFC is the highest scoring match in ISL history.
• Odisha’s victory against Bengaluru in the last match was their first win against The Blues.
• Odisha’s goal-difference of -19, from the 2021-22 season is the worst by any team in ISL history.

Telecast

The clash between Odisha FC and SC East Bengal will take place on Tuesday, November 30. Kickoff will be 7:30 pm (IST). The match will be broadcasted on the Star Sports Network and live-streamed on the Disney+Hotstar platform and the Jio TV app.

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