Preview: Mumbai City eye season's first win, Odisha FC look to continue momentum

The Juggernauts kicked-off their campaign with a terrific comeback victory over Jamshedpur FC.

Mumbai City FC will square off against Odisha FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on October 15. The Islanders began their current campaign in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 with a 3-3 draw against defending champions Hyderabad FC. The Juggernauts, on the other hand, kicked off proceedings with a 3-2 victory, secured by an injury-time winner by Diego Mauricio against Jamshedpur FC.

Both sides have come into the season with lofty ambitions. Hence, it is critical for them to get into some good momentum early on in the campaign.

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

Head coach Des Buckingham had expressed contentment after a hard-fought draw against Hyderabad in the opening game. However, the Islanders did not arguably look convincing in their gameplay for a major portion of the match.

It is important that they brush aside any rustiness and get in the groove swiftly in order to avoid slipping down. Moreover, Mumbai City return to the Arena after two seasons and they will be excited to put up a spirited performance in front of the West Coast Brigade.

Odisha FC

Odisha will be eager to shred off the image of a perennial mid-table finisher under the dynamic tutelage of Josep Gombau this season. It is always positive to get the season rolling with a spirited comeback victory like the one that Odisha FC secured against Jamshedpur.

The team will be edging to reiterate their mettle against Buckingham’s men on Saturday. At stake are three points against an opponent that can really help Gombau make a solid statement early in the campaign.

Team News

Amey Ranawade is still out for the Islanders. Odisha FC though have no injury concerns and head into this clash with a fully fit squad.

Head-to-Head

The two sides have each won three games each out of the six encounters between them since the rebranded Odisha FC came into force in 2019. Last season, the Juggernauts defeated Mumbai 4-2 in the first tie while the Islanders replied with a 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture.

Possible Line-ups

Mumbai City FC: Phurba Lachenpa (GK); Rahul Bheke, Rostyn Griffiths, Mourtada Fall, Mandar Rao Dessai; Vinit Rai, Apuia; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Bipin Singh, Greg Stewart; Jorge Pereyra Diaz.

Odisha FC: Amrinder Singh (GK); Thoiba Singh Moirangthem, Narender Gahlot, Carlos Delgado, Sahil Panwar, Osama Malik, Raynier Fernandes, Saúl Crespo; Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Nanda Kumar, Diego Mauricio.

Man to Watch

Vinit Rai (Mumbai City FC)

The midfielder rather surprisingly started the last game in place of Ahmed Jahouh as Buckingham opted to shore up his foreigners at the back and in the front instead. The 25-year-old delivered a fine performance in the opening game. He will be aching to put forth a promising performance against his parent club.

Rai will have to assume a slightly different and defensive role in the centre of the park. His negation of Odisha’s passing patterns will be one of the factors to keep an eye out for.

Raynier Fernandes (Odisha FC)

For Odisha FC, it is Raynier Fernandes who will hold the cards at the centre of the park. He looked in sublime touch in the side’s opening game. Raynier was in complete control of the proceedings throughout the course of the game.

Fernandes dictated the gameplay with his quick footwork and incisive passing and assisted Mauricio’s first goal. Like Rai, even Fernandes has a point to prove as he makes a comeback to his original club in what will be a highly-anticipated homecoming amongst Mumbai’s supporters.

Did You Know?

• Four or more goals have been scored by a side in four of Mumbai’s last six encounters against Odisha FC. The fans can look forward to an absolute goal-fest.
• Odisha FC (earlier Delhi Dynamos FC) last qualified for the playoffs in the 2016 season.
• Diego Mauricio holds the record for most goals (12) by an Odisha FC player in a single ISL season.

Telecast

The live telecast of Mumbai City FC vs Odisha FC will be available on the Star Sports Network. The live stream of the fixture can be viewed on Disney+HotStar and JioTV. Kick-off is at 7:30 PM on Saturday.