‘Most expensive squad in the competition’ – A tag which automatically rises the expectations of fans about performance from the team But on the darker side it is the tag that rises the pressure for performing well on the players and coaches and if it is not met, they are subjected to trolls and criticism. Mohun Bagan now find themselves in a position, where they are not only facing criticism but also faces the threat of group stage exit from the last ever edition of AFC Cup. All scenarios of qualification for Mohun Bagan is now attached with Bashundhara's further performance in the tournament.
 |
| Courtesy : MBSG Media |
Mohun Bagan
with star players and one of the most tactically sound coach at the helm
started well in the tournament by defeating Odisha FC , 4-0 away at kalinga
stadium, they continued their further momentum by defeating maziya 2-1 at home
but a 2-2 draw at home and and 2-1 defeat away to Bashundhara kings had somewhat
derailed the season objectives . Mohun Bagan now sits at 2nd
position in the south zone group with 7 points while Bashundhara sits first due
to a better head to head record. Now, Mohun Bagan faces a rejuvenating Odisha
FC at home in hope of a win that might see them through to the next rounds of AFC
Cup if Bashundhara comes up with a loss or a draw.
Now, Familiar
ISL foes goes head to head again in the AFC cup , this time with the aim of
moving to the top of the south zone group. With fate of both Indian teams now
depending on the result of the next two matches of Bashundhara Kings . Any negative
result of Bashundhara would open the path for the Indian teams for the chance
to qualify for next round , especially Mohun Bagan who still holds a upper hand
on the Indian counterparts.
Sergio
Lobera, head coach of Odisha FC, who has
now rejuvenated Odisha FC faces the Big boy of not only Indian football but
also of Asian Football, under his guidance Odisha had registered two victories
over Maziya in AFC Cup , of which one was a emphatic 6-1 win a home and the another one
was a stunning 2nd half comeback , away at Male. In ISL , Odisha ranks
first in scoring goals with 11 to their name in 6 matches , while Mohun Bagan
sits 2nd with 10 goals to their name in 4 matches. Even in AFC Cup, Odisha
stands first with 11 goals to their name and Mohun Bagan with 9 goals in 4
matches each, undoubtedly this is going to be goal fest with two attack minded
teams with attack minded coaches at the helm.
About the Opponent:-
Ahmed Jahouh's return in form has to be the greatest strength, the Juggernauts have. In Big matches , matches are usually won or lost at midfield. Jahouh has all the ability to destroy a team from midfield if allowed to operate freely. In the previous matcha against Bashundhara, Juan didn't use a defensive midfielder to shield the defense which is very much essential in a three man backline system and that costed the mariners heavily. Juan will now have to make moves very smartly in order to cancel out Ahmed Jahouh`s influence in midfield. Sahal and Boumous Might be asked to attack very aggressively so as to keep jahouh more defensively involved rather than attacking . If Jahouh is kept quiet for greater part of time , the match will automatically swing in Mariner's favor.
The dynamic striker duo of experienced Roy Krishna and Diego Mauricio can also pose a good threat for Mariner`s defense as the experienced duo have speed , physicality to trouble defenders and a very good eye for goal. If both the strikers are allowed to much time and space on the ball , the mariners are going to have a tough time dealing them . A check must also be kept upon Mourtada Fall and CY Goddard who can sprung up with surprises.
MOHUN BAGAN certainly have all the qualities to go past this group with ease and comfort , but now they are in knee deep trouble as they lost to Bashundhara kings and are in doubts for qualification for next rounds . In the previous match against Bashundhara , absence of proper defensive midfielder was well and truly felt but this time Juan might , opt for one with Glan Martins and sacrificing one foreigner to the bench . The previous match between them ending 4-0 in favour of mariners can boost the confidence of players going into the match.
Absentees :-
Anwar , Ashique are out for the mariners with Manvir Singh & Dimitri Petratos also doubtful for the clash as he picks up a niggle , otherwise Juan had a fully fit squad to select from.
Odisha FC has no such injury concerns
Predicted Line-ups :-
Mohun Bagan SG :- Vishal Kaith (GK), Brendan Hamill, Hector
Yuste, Subhashis Bose (Captain), Liston Colaco, Hugo Boumous, Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Armando Sadiku, Jason Cummings, Dimitri Petratos.
Odisha FC :- Amrinder Singh (GK, Captain), Amey
Ranawade , Mourtada Fall, Carlos Delgado, Jerry lalrinzuala, Lenny Rodrigues,
Ahmed Jahouh, Cy Goddard, Roy Krishna, Diego Mauricio , Jerry Mawmingthanga.
Match Details :-
🎯 AFC Cup
🆚 Odisha FC
⏰ 27th Nov'23 19:30 IST
🏟 VYBK, Kolkata, WB, India
📺 Sports18 1, 1 HD, 3 & Fancode 📱
CLICK HERE - to buy your MBSGvOFC Tickets
Follow MBFT on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Telegram & Whatsapp to stay updated with all the Mohun Bagan News & Updates. Joy Mohun Bagan !