The Indian Super League is on the brink of its penultimate stage, with excitement levels reaching a peak. In the first semifinal, a battle of Spaniards is set to unfold as Odisha FC faces off against the shield winners, Mohun Bagan Super Giants. This match holds the promise of redemption for both sides, as they drew in both of their league-stage encounters.
Recent Form of Mohun Bagan and Odisha
Odisha FC, following their victory over Kerala Blasters FC in a tense playoff knockout game, have encountered a rough patch in their recent matches. With two losses and one draw in their last five games, their hopes for a strong finish in the shield race were dashed, resulting in a fourth-place finish for the season. Despite these setbacks, the resilient mentality characteristic of a Sergio Lobera-led side has been instilled in the players, making them formidable opponents capable of disrupting any team’s plans. With their ability to spring surprises and their reputation as tough adversaries, Odisha FC remains a force to be reckoned with in future encounters.
Under the guidance of Spanish tactician Antonio Habas, Mohun Bagan emerged victorious in a thrilling last league game decider against Mumbai City FC to clinch the shield title. With this triumph, they have positioned themselves as a formidable force, particularly for teams led by Sergio Lobera. Mohun Bagan enters the upcoming battles on a high note, having showcased their dominance throughout the league stage by securing the most points and netting the highest number of goals. Their formidable presence on the field suggests that they will be a challenging opponent for any team they encounter in future competitions.
Team News
Odisha FC, alongside FC Goa, boasts the most clean sheets (9) in the league, showcasing their defensive prowess. However, vulnerabilities persist within the squad, despite the presence of key players like midfield maestro Ahmed Jahouh, defensive stalwarts Mourtada Fall and Carlos Delgado, full-backs Amey Ranawade, and potent attackers like Roy Krishna and Diego Mauricio, who have scored 12 and 10 goals respectively.
Indian players such as Isak Ralte, Puitea, and Jerry Lalrinzuala will play pivotal roles, with the injury to Diego Mauricio posing a potential deficit in the upcoming matches. Additionally, Carlos Delgado’s yellow card in the knockout game puts him at risk of suspension if he receives another in the second leg.
On the other hand, Mohun Bagan boasts a formidable attacking lineup, led by players like Jason Cummings and Armando Sadiku, complemented by the playmaking abilities of Dimitri Petratos. The midfield presence of Finnish midfielder Joni Kauko and Anirudh Thapa, alongside Abhishek Suryavanshi, will dictate the flow of the game for Mohun Bagan, making them a dangerous opponent for any team to contend with.
The team’s strength is significantly enhanced by the inclusion of Indian internationals Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, and Sahal Abdul Samad. Their contributions add depth and quality to the squad, bolstering both the attacking and midfield departments.
Furthermore, the defensive line, marshaled by Hector Yuste and supported by Anwar Ali and Subhashish Bose, provides stability and resilience under pressure. Their collective experience and leadership qualities ensure that the team’s defense remains solid even in challenging situations.
However, the suspension of Australian center-back Brendan Hamill and midfielder Deepak Tangri presents a setback for the team, particularly in their crucial clash against Odisha FC. The absence of their experience and presence could be felt, potentially impacting the team’s performance in this crucial encounter.
Predicted Line-up
Odisha FC:
Amrinder Singh (GK), Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Delgado, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Puitea, Ahmed Jahouh, Lenny Rodrigues, Isak Ralte, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Roy Krishna.
Mohun Bagan Super Giants:
Vishal Kaith (GK), Anwar Ali, Hector Yuste, Subhshish Bose, Abhishek Suryavanshi, Joni Kauko, Anirudh Thapa, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Dimitri Petratos, Armando Sadiku.
Match Prediction
The upcoming match between Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan promises a fierce midfield battle and a test of defensive stability against potent attacks. With both teams seeking a crucial win after their previous draws, expect a tense and intense clash where clinical finishing could be the difference-maker. Odisha’s home advantage adds intrigue, but Mohun Bagan will undoubtedly put up a strong fight.
Telecast Details
The match between Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giants will be televised on Sports18 TV and VH1 on April 23rd at 7:30 PM IST. Live streaming can be accessed through the Jio Cinema App.
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