Mohun Bagan Super Giant take on Mumbai City FC in the opening encounter of the 2024-25 Indian Super League at the VYBK (Salt Lake Stadium) in Calcutta on Friday, September 13.
Defending champions Mohun Bagan will be keen on getting one up over their rivals, to whom they lost in the final of the ISL Cup last season. Both teams won a silverware apiece in their previous campaign.
The Islanders know they will not have it easy in front of a boisterous crowd at Salt Lake and must go above and beyond the tried and tested to make themselves heard. Bagan started as a favourite owing to familiar conditions.
Recent Form
MBSG
While Mohun Bagan has accounted well for themselves in the preseason friendlies they have played in so far, their most recent competitive encounter was in the final of the Durand Cup, which they lost to NorthEast United FC via penalties.
They did well in the aforementioned preseason tournament and looked all set to defend the title they won in 2023-24 but were pipped in the final by the Highlanders. However, they do have form on their side.
MCFC
As a result, Mumbai City did not field their first XI in the Durand Cup and did not have many encouraging performances. They lost all three matches that they played in it, with a resounding defeat of 0-8 against Kerala Blasters, the most discouraging of the lot.
Their first team trained in and played a lot of preseason friendlies in Thailand ahead of the season and is expected to hit the ground running in this game. They have also been in Calcutta for some time to get used to the conditions.
Team News
Mohun Bagan does not have any major absentees in their squad, and they look much stronger than the Islanders, at least on paper. New signings Jamie Maclaren and Greg Stewart may start on the bench.
Mumbai City, too, has most of its players fit and available for this game. If skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte manages to regain his form after a disastrous showing for India, they will be a threat to reckon with.
H2H Record
For Bagan, who claims to be the most successful national club in the country, it is a matter of great embarrassment that they have won just twice in the twelve matches they have played against Mumbai (considering ATKMB as well).
However, one of those wins came in a crucial Shield-deciding encounter last season. Mumbai has won seven of the other matches, with three ending in drawn encounters. This game, however, could go either way.
Probable Starting Lineups
MBSG XI
Vishal Kaith (GK); Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose; Manvir Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia), Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco; Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummings.
MCFC XI
Phurba Lachenpa (GK); Hmingthanmawia Ralte (Valpuia), Tiri, Mehtab Singh, Sanjeev Stalin; Yoell van Nieff, Hitesh Sharma; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Jon Toral, Bipin Singh; Nikolaos Karelis.
Match Prediction
It goes without saying that Bagan will start as favorites as they will be playing on their home turf. The Salt Lake Stadium is expected to be brimming at full capacity, with their loyal supporters cheering their lungs out.
However, if there is any club that can upset the Mariners, it is Mumbai City. Petr Kratky’s side will want to play the devil’s advocate just as they did in the ISL Cup final last season in front of 62,000 people in Calcutta.
Nonetheless, we expect Mohun Bagan to win this game.
Telecast and Streaming
The match between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City will kick off at 7:30 PM IST on Friday, September 13. It will be broadcast on Sports18 and streamed live on the Jio Cinema app. Fans outside India can watch it on the OneFootball app.
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