Mohun Bagan vs Odisha FC | GW4 ISL 2025/26 Match Preview

It's fantastic Friday in Kolkata as the table toppers take on the Juggernauts at VYBK on 6th March,'26.

The match comes on the backdrop of a huge controversy between the Mariners and the AIFF management due to which the match was initially scheduled to be held behind closed doors without any fans. But AIFF eventually backed down and the match will now be played at a partial stadium capacity.

The defending Champs have started the season with a bang, registering 3 wins on the trot, the latest being a 5-1 thrashing of legacy rivals Mohammedan Sporting. The players are on song, the chemistry within the squad looks perfect and the combinations are also clicking seamlessly. Having scored 9 goals with conceding just one, the Mariners look more than ready to take down any team in ISL. The only point of concern for the Champs is Robson's injury. The Brazilian magician who has been instrumental for Bagan's attack was forced to be subbed early last match after scoring a brace. It would be interesting to see how to see Lobera's men perform together in his absence.

Odisha FC, on the other hand, have had a modest start to the tournament, having drawn both of their matches against Chennaiyin FC and Inter Kashi. Despite starting training after ISL commenced, their defence seems solid with the likes of Thoiba and Delgado leading the backline. Their attack has yet to find the rhythm,but they would definitely hope to put up a show and secure all 3 points. Sergio Lobera has stopped Bagan time and again on its tracks when he was in the previous club. With tons of experience about the players, he can guide the Mariners to getting 3 crucial points and retain the top position on ISL League Table.

-: Probable Lineups : -

Mohun Bagan SG(4-2-3-1): Vishal Kaith (GK), Amey Ranawade-Tom Aldred-Alberto Rodriguez-Tekchem Abhishek Singh, Anirudh Thapa-Apuia, Liston Colaco(C)-Cummings-Manvir Singh-Jamie Maclaren (C).
Coach: Sergio Lobera

Odisha FC(4-4-2): Amrinder (GK),Zuidika-Thoiba-Delgado (C)-Gama, Rahul K.P.-Rohit-Puitea-Isak Ralte, Suhair-Rahim.
Coach: T.G.Purushothaman

Up Next: Battle against Odisha FC, at the VYBK!

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— MBFT (@MBFT89) March 4, 2026

-: Tactical Analysis :-

The Mariners is likely continue with their attacking style of football. In the form that they are in, it seems to be the best option with Amey and Tekchem going up and down the flanks on a regular basis making overlapping runs. The inclusion of Manvir enhances the clinical finishing of the team while Liston replaces Robson on the left wing. Lobera played a gamble in the last match with fielding Tangri in for Mehtab and it paid off big time. But keeping the attacking potential of Odisha FC in mind, the team is most likely to swap him for Tom Aldred as it provides a greater defensive stability. Apuia and Thapa, the midfield maestros, will dictate the tempo of the game with Cummings and Maclaren up front to seal the deal. With 9 points from 3 matches, Lobera's men will definitely use their winning streak in their favour as momentum and win all 3 points from this tie. Odisha FC, on the other hand, would definitely look to get their first win. They have been solid defensively but lack attacking efficiency. The defensive pairing of Delgado and Thoiba has been exceptional and with the likes of Puitea, Suhair and Rahim in the team, they can surely be a tough nut to crack. Though the reigning Champs are clear favourites, Odisha FC will definitely be happy to settle for a draw if not a win, against the table toppers.

-: Players to Watch Out For :-

Jason Cummings: This guy has surely been a trump card for the Mariners. In his first start in ISL against MSC, his clever backheel assist led to Bagan’s first goal. An instrumental part in Mohun Bagan's title charge for the last two seasons, the talismanic Aussie will be looking to score his first goal in ISL 2025/26.
Apuia: Tempo will matter a lot this game. Apuia needs to be on his toes to keep the ball in the opposition half and make interceptions and recoveries from pacey Indian players of Odisha FC like Rahul KP, Isak and Rahim. In Lobera’s playstyle, Apuia can contribute largely in quick transitions and possessive gameplay.
Carlos Delgado: Talk about the captain leading from the front, and you hear Carlos Delgado. Already an ISL legend, the 35-year-old Spanish powerhouse is the core of the Odisha team. Apart from being the main reason for Odisha's defensive prowess, he has scored the only goal that Odisha has scored in this season. He will be the main hurdle in Bagan's quest for 3 points.

🎯 ISL Season 2025/26  

⏰ 6th March,2026; 5:00 PM IST

🏟 Saltlake Stadium, Kolkata 

📡 Fancode (OTT), Sony Sports 2 (TV)  🎶

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