Shield Champions Mohun Bagan face reigning ISL Trophy winners Mumbai City FC.
by Anik Nandi
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Picture courtesy - ISL & MBSG Media |
“WE ARE THE KING OF THIS JUNGLE. THIS IS OUR JUNGLE. BACK TO
BACK CHAMPIONS TWO TIMES. JOY MOHUN BAGAN!” – these were the words spoken by
our captain Subhasish Bose who was ecstatic over the 1-0 victory against Odisha
FC and for successfully defending the ISL Shield this season.
As the joy of lifting the shield overwhelms every Green and
Maroon supporter and football enthusiast, this ISL season has more to offer. We
enter Match Week 24 this Saturday, facing tough opponents Mumbai City FC as our
final away fixture for this season.
Up Next: A battle in Mumbai ✈️
— MBFT : Mohun Bagan (@MBFT89) February 28, 2025
[MBFT] pic.twitter.com/uybGfrunZp
Mumbai City FC have posed stiff competition at every match against the Mariners facing off 13 times in ISL, out of which the Mariners secured a victory only 2 times, lost 7 times and drew 4 times.
Last season, the Mariners were able to snatch away the Shield from Mumbai City FC, who failed to defend it, with a 2-1 final score line. However, they redeemed their status shortly in the ISL playoffs by defeating Mohun Bagan 3-1 in ISL Cup Final and lifting the ISL Cup subsequently.
The Islander’s showcase of top performance at every
head-to-head fixture makes them an fierce rival of the Mariners. Even though Mohun
Bagan has already won the Shield this season, every football fan knows that
whenever Mohun Bagan steps onto the field, they play to win the match
irrespective of the opponent. While Mohun Bagan looks to prove that they are the
King of the Jungle, a struggling Mumbai City FC will desperately fight for 3
crucial points to qualify for ISL playoffs.
-: 5 Key Things to Look Out for on Saturday’s Clash :
The Big Comeback-Dimitri Petratos :
Every Mariner loves this Aussie and his dedication towards the game. Even though he had a couple of setbacks and drop in performance this season, fans backed him saying “Form is temporary, class is permanent.” Eventually, the big man stepped up in the big game vs Odisha FC and scored the decisive goal in the final minutes of the game, which made Mohun Bagan ISL Shield Winner two times in a row.
𝑫𝒊𝒎𝒊 𝑮𝒐... 𝑮𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑮𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒚 💪 👑
— MBFT : Mohun Bagan (@MBFT89) February 27, 2025
Video Credit: @IndSuperLeague @mohunbagansg !
You can watch ISL on @StarSportsIndia & @JioHotstar !
[MBFT] pic.twitter.com/AXiaSheyMd
He is a player of great
prowess, capable of dominating the attacking midfield and scoring many goals. He
can also deliver from set-pieces, a key component in Mohun Bagan’s attack as
they have scored 20 out of 43 goals from it, the highest in ISL history. The
last season ISL Golden Ball winner is on the verge of a comeback and the whole
world wants this to happen…and the haters? They better watch their back because
Dimi is a force to be reckoned with.
The
Defensive Wall - Alberto Rodriguez and Tom Aldred :
The foreign duo, along with Vishal Kaith at goal, hasn’t conceded a single goal in the last 6 matches. Their strong performance throughout the season speaks for itself with 14 clean sheets till now.
Their physical dominance and timely tackles keep the opponents
from capitalizing in the attacking third. They are adept at developing the ball
from the back during attacks and scoring goals during set-pieces. They need to
stay firm in defence to deny the Islanders from scoring on Saturday.
Midfield control - Apuia and Deepak Tangri :
Exceptional performance from Apuia throughout the season has attracted praises for filling the void of a foreign CDM in Mohun Bagan. Coupled with Deepak Tangri, they need to control the midfield, and prevent Van Nieff from playing through passes to fast wingers like Vikram Pratap Singh and Bipin Singh, and also from taking their chances at goal themselves.
THE DEEPAK WARRIOR TANGRI ⚔️🔥
— MBFT : Mohun Bagan (@MBFT89) February 25, 2025
📸 SoccerMonk Media
[MBFT] pic.twitter.com/44bYxroPdc
Deepak Tangri has been an absolute revelation this season, with composure on the ball and also on the temperament, he has been a massive upgarde. With all Indian midfield, he is completing the quota for the foreign defensive mideo, which is helping the team in putting forward more foreign attackers in attacking position.
The Golden Striker - Jamie Maclaren :
The Aussie forward has scored 10
goals in 21 matches so far. With goal conversion percentage of 37.04% and 0.48
goals per game, he is rising out to shine in India after leaving a legacy in
his homeland. He needs to step up to beat experienced defenders like Thaer
Krouma and Tiri in the attacking third and put the ball in the back of the net
with the help of Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh on the winger positions.
Dynamic Duo Alert! 🚨🎮💚❤️
— MBFT : Mohun Bagan (@MBFT89) February 27, 2025
Jamie: 21 matches, 10 goals, 2 assists
Jason: 26 matches, 8 goals, 6 assists
In all competitions this season, as of 27th February, 2025!
[MBFT] pic.twitter.com/uR3eFDWdAo
Mumbai City FC’s Fast Wingers - Bipin Singh and Vikram Pratap Singh :
Despite both wingers struggling
to score goals, their fast pace adds to Mumbai City’s attack and allows them to
play key passes for Chhangte and Mendoza to score. Their dribbling skills and
fast pace need to be dealt with by side backs Asish Rai and captain Subhasish
Bose who are experienced enough to prevent them from creating chances in the
attacking half.
Mohun Bagan will field a 4-2-3-1 lineup with Subhasish Bose as Captain. In defense, the wingers fall back to help the side-backs defend, which also helps to build the counter attack from behind with their accelerated pace. Similarly, the side-backs aren’t shy to push forward to increase number of players in the attacking half, helping the team to maintain possession and prevent counter attacks.
As the wings and side-backs play on the wings, it stretches the opponent team across the field. The Central Attacking Midfield player, hence, has the freedom to play around with the ball with the purpose of delivering key passes and developing the attack, apart from taking shots at goal on their own.
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Picture Courtesy - ISL & MBSG Media |
The Mariners love to score from set pieces, having put 20 out of 43 goals from it. Even the defenders, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodriguez and Subhasish Bose walk up to apply pressure in the box. The striker, Jamie Maclaren, takes frequent runs to break the offside trap and force the defense line behind. His anticipatory skills allow him to take good positioning in the box and score from close.
This often makes defenders react, leaving space at the edge of the box for the other Green and Maroon players to gain advantage over the ball. The playmaker, Apuia, is the master of the game as he plays a pivotal role in the team. He controls the midfield from the Central Defensive Midfield, by distributing the ball. With 47 passes per game and 83% passing accuracy, he makes sure to not lose the ball in the defensive half and concede from counter-attacks.
Both Apuia and Deepak Tangri act as blockers when
defending, quadrupling up with centre-backs with man-marking at the edge of the
box, to stop through passes being played which open up the face of the goal.
This tactic makes them more static, which is different from other teams, who
prefer their Central Midfield players to double up front to score goals and
provide assists. However, this has worked well for Mohun Bagan who has kept 14
clean sheets this season till now.
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Picture Courtesy - ISL & MCFC Media |
Mumbai City FC, on the other hand, has been struggling under their Coach Peter Kratky. He deploys a 4-1-2-3 lineup with Chhangte as Captain. Chhangte has changed his position from a right winger to a False 9, with two wingers that move into the penalty box.
Chhangte plays from attacking midfield, develops the attack and moves into the box with Vikram and Mendoza on the wings. The attacking trio is complemented by attacking midfielders, Van Nieff and Jayesh Rane, who will aim to maintain possession and control the midfield. They haven’t fared well from the set pieces as the attacking players are unable to exert physical dominance and reach balls due to their short stature, often being overwhelmed by towering defenders on the opposite team.
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Picture Courtesy - ISL & MCFC Media |
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Picture Courtesy - ISL & MCFC Media |
However, their defenders, Thaer Krouma and Tiri are quite experienced to fill that void to some extent. Therefore, during attacks, they will look to score from open play. In defence, Jayesh Rane and Brandon Fernandes will double up in the central defensive midfield to stop Dimitri Petratos from playing his natural game.
Valpuia and Sahil Panwar on side-backs will have too much on their plate to handle Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh on Saturday. Tiri and Thaer Krouma has to be extra pro-active to stop Maclaren from scoring in the first place, as well as help the side backs from collapsing under pressure.
Predicted Lineups:-
Mohun Bagan Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Vishal Kaith(GK), Ashish Rai-Tom Aldred- Alberto Rodriguez- Subhasish
Bose(C), Apuia-Deepak Tangri, Manvir Singh-Dimitri Petratos-Liston Colaco,
Jamie Maclaren.
Coach: Jose Francisco Molina.
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Picture Courtesy - ISL & MBSG Media |
Mumbai City FC Predicted Lineup (4-1-2-3): Purba Lachenpa(GK), Sahil Panwar-Tiri-Thaer Krouma-Valpuia, Yoell Van Nieff, Brandon Fernandez-Jayesh Rane, J. Ortiz Mendoza-L.Chhangte(C)-Vikram
Pratap Singh.
Coach: Peter Kratky.
On their home ground on Saturday, Mumbai City FC will have the support of their fans. But the away fans support is always there backing for the Mariners, who will stand tall with the Shield victory joy in their hearts and the Green and Maroon colour in their blood.
🚨 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐃 🚨
— MBFT : Mohun Bagan (@MBFT89) February 28, 2025
5⃣2⃣ Points Haul for 🟢🔴 Mohun Bagan in ISL!
Mohun Bagan becomes the first ISL Club to cross the mark of 50 points!
Most Points Earned by a team in National Leagues 🇮🇳
1. Dempo 57(26) POINTS (2011-12)
2. Salgaocar 56(26) POINTS (2010-11)
3. Churchill… pic.twitter.com/14hctBDyWh
Mumbai City FC will go
for the much-needed 3 points for playoff qualification whereas Mohun Bagan will
stand their ground and show them why they are the undisputed King of the Indian Super
League.
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