Following a dominating result against Odisha FC in the AFC Cup 2023/24 Group Stage, the defending ISL Cup winners Mohun Bagan SG will kick off their Indian Super League campaign tomorrow with newly promoted I-League winning side Punjab FC in the Salt Lake Stadium.
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| Courtesy: MBSG Media |
Keeping the confidence of the unbeaten run since the Durand Cup Quarter final, Juan Ferrando's boys want to start their ISL Campaign with a comfortable win against the newly promoted Punjab side. This match should be a cakewalk for the mariners as earlier this season in the Durand Cup group stage, Mohun Bagan comfortably won against Punjab with a 2-0 scoreline fielding primarily their reserve team squad.
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| Courtesy : Punjab FC |
But Punjab FC are desperate to leave a mark in their debut ISL matchday, as they are not here to play around. They may lack the quality and depth which Mohun Bagan has but their new signings CF Wilmar, CB Dimitrios and prolific CAM Madih Talal will bring the quality they lacked in the Durand Cup group stage. Greek manager Staikos Vergetis is known for his 4-4-2 formations which gave the quality depth to dominate the previous I-League season and earn promotion to the ISL. Juan Ferrando should not take this squad, as they are desperate to surprise the Mohun Bagan squad.
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| Courtesy: Asian Football Confederation |
Defending the ISL Cup and winning the ISL league Shield is one of the top priorities of Juan Ferrando this season and he is going in the right direction as we have seen. Getting three points in the opening ISL match at home is a must to kick off a great start. But Juan Ferrando will miss Anirudh Thapa due to a suspension imposed by the ISL for the Red Card in Durand Final, his replacement will be questionable. Also Ashique Kuruniyan is injured and will miss this whole season. A huge gap can be expected in the Midfield department tomorrow, but this can be compensated with Dimitri Petratos's masterclass. All momentum can be broken with goals and the Mariners are sure not lacking that.
With all said, taking Punjab FC lightly can be fatal, as we have already witnessed a sudden death against Emami East Bengal in the Group stage Kolkata derby.
Let's Roll
Prediction: As Mohun Bagan will try to dominate Punjab FC for a solid ISL start, a scoreline of 2-0 or 3-0 can be expected but Punjab's dedication can cost Juan Ferrando if he is not careful enough.
Possible Line-ups:
Mohun Bagan SG: Vishal Kaith (GK); Ashish Rai, Brandon Hamill, Anwar Ali, Subhasish Bose; Sahal Abdul Samad, Glan Martins, Hugo Boumous; Jason Cummings, Liston Colaco, Armando Sadiku
Punjab FC: Kiran Chemjong; Suresh Meitei, Mashoor Shereef, Mohammed Salah, Nikhil Prabhu; Kingslee Fernandes, Ricky Shabong, Madih Talal, Juan Mera; Wilmar Jordan Gil, Luka Majcen
Kick OFF: 8:00 PM IST
Live Stream: Sports 18 network (TV) DD Bangla (TV) Colours Bangla (TV) Jio Cinema (India OTT Stream) One Football (International OTT Stream)
Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangyan (Salt Lake Stadium), Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
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| Courtesy: MBSG & ISL Media |
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