LIGHTS, FOOTBALL AND THE MARINERS: A BLOCKBUSTER NIGHT AT THE VYBK
The Mariners welcome Odisha FC with three consecutive victories behind them, sitting on the summit of the table.
Kolkata is getting ready for Diwali, the festival of lights. Streets are beginning to glow with decorations, buildings are being illuminated, and the festive atmosphere is slowly taking over every nook and corner of the city. Amidst all this excitement, the Mariners have one more task before the celebrations begin: another night of football at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant welcome Odisha FC on Thursday, looking to extend their three-match winning streak and strengthen their position at the top of the ISL table. With nine points in four matches, the Mariners made a strong recovery after their opening-day defeat to North-East United FC. Three consecutive victories have put them back on track, and another three points would be the perfect way to head into the Diwali break!
While players like Alberto Rodríguez and Dejan Dražić have been part of the Mariners' conversations in recent days, particularly after their heroic performances on the pitch with bandaged heads, much of the recent attention has centered on the man in the dugout: Panagiotis Dilmperis.
Since taking charge, Panos has repeatedly experimented with his squad, shuffling players across positions and trying different combinations. While tactical flexibility can be an asset, excessive changes have affected the team's rhythm. Even matches against relatively easier opponents have become tougher than expected. Although the results have been positive, plenty of room for improvement!
Odisha FC will bring an extra measure of courage and determination to get the first win of this season. They will look to exploit Mohun Bagan's defensive vulnerabilities through long balls and set-piece situations, using their physical presence and midfield combinations to create opportunities. The Mariners must be particularly alert and cannot afford to switch off defensively. With little to lose and everything to prove, Odisha could make life difficult for the current league leaders!
Up Next : OFC at Home #MGISL 🏠⚔️ #JoyMohunBagan #MBFT pic.twitter.com/vTTyBPsRz3
— MBFT (@MBFT89) November 4, 2026
A SQUAD WITHOUT ITS KEY PIECES
Mohun Bagan could once again be without several key members of their squad, with Sahal Abdul Samad joining the injury list after picking up a knock against Punjab FC. He joins Apuia and Miguel Figueira, who are also dealing with injury concerns while Jamie Maclaren is back with the squad for the Odisha encounter.
However, there is reason for optimism. The squad has depth, and this is another opportunity for the available players to make their mark. The Mariners have already shown that they can win without some of their biggest names. They will now look to repeat that performance and collect another full three points at home.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LEE ERWIN
His physical presence and ability to hold up the ball will be vital in bringing the wide attackers into play. He could potentially combine with Maclaren in the second half if the Mariners need more goals to be scored.
MANVIR SINGH
Manvir's pace, direct running and ability to attack spaces behind the defence make him an important attacking outlet. Apart from stretching Odisha's defensive line, his defensive contributions have proven effective.
SAMIR ZELJKOVIĆ
The Bosnian midfielder could have a significant role to play in the absence of Apuia and Miguel. His passing range, movement and ability to find pockets of space can help Mohun Bagan establish control in midfield. He will need to provide both defensive cover and creativity as the Mariners look to dictate the tempo.
DEJAN DRAŽIĆ
Dražić offers technical quality and creativity in the attacking third. His ability to carry the ball, take on defenders and create chances could prove particularly useful against deep defensive lines.
EVERTON (ODISHA FC)
The Odisha forward will be one to watch for the Mariners' defence. His off-the-ball movement and positioning in gaps could trouble Mohun Bagan if they lose their defensive shape.
🟢⚔ 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘 ⚔🔴
— MBFT (@MBFT89) November 5, 2026
🎯 MG Indian Super League 26-27
📣 Mohun Bagan SG vs Odisha FC
⏰ 5th November’26; 19:30 IST
🏟 Saltlake Stadium, Kolkata
📡 Indian Super League YouTube, SonyLiv App, Sony Ten 2 TV#JoyMohunBagan #MBFT pic.twitter.com/HPqAEsSS9k
PROBABLE STARTING XI'S
Mohun Bagan Super Giant (4-2-3-1)
Vishal Kaith; Abhishek Singh, Rahul Bheke, Alberto Rodríguez, Subhasish Bose; Deepak Tangri, Samir Zeljković; Anirudh Thapa, Dejan Dražić, Manvir Singh; Lee Erwin.
MATCH DETAILS
MOHUN BAGAN SG vs ODISHA FC
🏆 Competition: Indian Super League 2026–27
⚽ Fixture: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Odisha FC
📅 Date: Thursday, 5 November 2026
⏰ Kick-off: 7:30 PM IST
🏟️ Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), Kolkata
🎙Live Match Update: MBFT Website
WHERE TO WATCH
📺 Television: Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten 2 AND Sony Ten 2 HD)
📱 Live Streaming: Sony LIV (Bengali Commentary)
▶️ Online: Official ISL YouTube channel
STRENGTH OF 12TH MAN IN THE STANDS
The Mariners are at the top of the table. Beyond tactics, formations and results, this is a moment for the Mariners' faithful to stand together. Free tickets have been announced for Odisha FC match, making this a golden opportunity to turn up in numbers and fill the VYBK.
Mariners, this is our call. Come and fill up the stands in Green-and-Maroon. May your roars be heard all across the City of Joy! The team needs your support, and there is no better occasion to show it!
As Kolkata prepares to celebrate the festival of lights, the Mariners have a chance to add their own sparkle to the occasion and extend their winning streak. One more performance, one more victory, and three more points to take into the Diwali break.
