Will the shield confirmation come or the wait will continue as all roads lead to VYBK.
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| Picture Courtesy - ISL & MBSG Media |
As we roll into Match Week 23, all eyes are on Sunday’s clash as Mohun Bagan takes on Odisha FC at the iconic VYBK. Both teams are hungry for 3 points as the Mariners want to defend the ISL Shield by topping the table and secure a ACL2 group stage spot next season whereas the Juggernauts need the 3 crucial points to place top 6 in order to qualify for ISL playoffs.
5 key things to look out for on Sunday’s clash:-
1. Stealth Foxes in the Box(The Aussie Duo) - Jamie Maclaren and Jason Cummings.
With 10 goals in 20 matches, Jamie Maclaren is living up to his fame of being the stealth fox in the box. With his Aussie mate Jason Cummings by his side, he will be enabled to take more attempts towards scoring goals and keeping constant pressure looming over Odisha FC’s defenders. Meanwhile Cummings has adapted to his new role as False 9, with 9 goal contributions in 20 matches, playing from the midfield and taking some chances at goal himself.
2. Display of Leadership - Subhasish Bose.
As the captain of Mohun Bagan, he has propelled the team to secure highest points ever in an ISL season(49) with 3 games remaining. Apart from his leadership skills, he has scored the most goals as a defender in this ISL season(6), and has incredible prowess as the left back with 39 successful tackles, 11 blocks and 52 clearances. His exceptional performance is needed by the team on Sunday to secure the 3 points at home.
3. The defensive wall- Alberto Rodriguez and Tom Aldred.
The Spanish Monster and Scottish Centre-Back along with Vishal Kaith as goalkeeper has achieved 11 clean sheets in 21 matches. While this defensive wall hasn’t conceded a single goal in last 5 matches, they need to be on their toes around formidable players like Diego Mauricio, Hugo Boumous and Rahul KP. Mourtada Fall, with his tall stature, can also pose a danger in set-piece opportunities for Odisha FC.
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| Picture Coutesy - ISL & MBSG Media |
4. Skilled Wingers-Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh.
Both the wingers at Mohun Bagan have proved their ability to take on defenders and score goals. Their unmatched pace, dribbling skills and timely passes is a threat to Odisha FC, which they will struggle to put down. Their high work rate allows them to also fall back and help the side-backs to defend which is an added advantage for the team. Their performance is vital for the Mariners to secure 3 points on Sunday’s clash.
5. Odisha’s Midfield Control - Hugo Boumous.
This attacking midfielder is someone the Mariners should be cautious about. He is an expert in delivering accurate passes for Diego Mauricio up front and taking solo runs into the attacking third, opening up more chances for goals from open play. Apuia and Deepak Tangri at Central Defensive Midfield will need to step up to prevent any kind of plays that Hugo wants to deliver on Sunday’s match.
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| Picture Courtesy - ISL & Odisha FC Media |
Starting Lineup Predictions:-
Mohun Bagan (4-2-3-1) :-
Vishal Kaith, Dippendu Biswas-Tom Aldred-Alberto Rodriguez-Subhasish Bose(C),Apuia-Deepak Tangri, Jason Cummings-Manvir Singh-Liston Colaco, Jamie Maclaren.
Odisha FC (4-2-3-1) :-
Amrinder Singh, Rahim Ali-Mourtada Fall-Carlos Delgado-Saviour Gama, Raynier Fernandes-Puitea, Jerry Mawihmingthanga-Hugo Boumous-Isak Vanlalruatfela, Diego Mauricio.
The promised land beckons!
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) February 18, 2025
You know where to be this Sunday! So come and fill up the stands in Green and Maroon! 💪🏻💚♥️#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন pic.twitter.com/NaprjlLXAh
Even though Odisha FC will try their best to get three points, they will have a difficult time to prevent the Mariners from doing the same in front of a fully-packed VYBK full of fans and spectators chanting and supporting as the 12th Man of the Green and Maroon squad as they aim to stay unbeaten at home this ISL season and defend their Shield title.
Kick OFF: 23rd February, 2025, 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) or SaltLake Stadium, Kolkata, India.
Live Stream: Star sports 3(TV), Sports 18 khel(TV), JioStar(India OTT Stream), One Football (International OTT Stream)
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