Odisha FC have won their last two away games and are aiming for an outright record with a third consecutive away victory. Meanwhile, Mohammedan SC are enduring a challenging debut season, having lost their last five matches.
Odisha FC have garnered 11 points from their last five games and are fifth in the table with 19 points from 12 matches. They have secured 11 victories in the 25 ISL matches they have played in 2024, already exceeding their previous-best tally of most wins in a calendar year, i.e. 10 in 2023. Notching three points against Mohammedan SC will take Odisha FC’s win rate in 2024 to 46.2%, beating the 45.3% they had managed last year.
Can Mohammedan SC turn the tide and garner a much-needed positive result for them?
Mohammedan SC pursue answers
• Scoring issues: Mohammedan SC have been unable to find the back of the net in their last three matches and have only managed five goals all season despite an xG tally of 12.44 (-7.44 xG differential). In contrast, the Odisha FC defence has conceded 17 goals thus far.
• Franca’s frustration: Franca has registered 53 touches in the opposition box, but he remains goalless, highlighting Mohammedan SC’s inefficiency in converting chances, something they would need to fix if they are to resurrect their run this term.
Odisha FC’s offensive prowess
• xG over-performance: Odisha FC have scored 25 goals this season, significantly surpassing their expected goals (xG) tally of 14.04. Their +10.96 xG differential is the best in the league, and this will mean that the Mohammedan SC backline will have to be alert in thwarting their endeavours.
• Sergio Lobera’s record: Sergio Lobera has won each of his last seven games when facing an opponent for the first time in the ISL, with his teams showing incredible defensive stability by keeping a clean sheet in six consecutive previous such encounters. Will the tactician sustain this streak in Kolkata tomorrow?
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever ISL clash between Odisha FC and Mohammedan SC. The Juggernauts have historically won only three of their 12 first encounters with new opponents in the ISL.
Coaches Corner
“Odisha FC like to control the ball”
Mohammedan SC head coach Andrey Chernyshov praised the Odisha FC unit for their style of play, experience and is predicting a tough contest altogether.
“Odisha FC play brilliantly, very nice football, they like to control the ball, they have got a good coach, who has won many trophies and they have similarly experienced players. It will be a brilliant and tough match for us,” Chernyshov said.
“Mohammedan SC are a very good side”
Odisha FC assistant coach Anthony Fernandes highlighted the areas his team will need to take care of to secure another positive outcome.
“Mohammedan SC are a very good side. It’s not going to be an easy match. We always look into things, cut down on our mistakes, try to overcome them, and try to keep a positive frame of mind too,” Fernandes said.
Key Players & Milestones
• Diego Mauricio has been directly involved in goals in each of his last three away games. His contribution rate of a goal every 68.6 minutes is the second-best in the league this season for a player who has played a minimum of 400 minutes after Alaaeddine Ajaraie (61.6 minutes per goal contribution).
• Mohammedan SC’s Alexis Gomez ranks third in passes in the final third (181) this season and his inputs could be crucial in unlocking the Odisha FC defence. His passing accuracy in this region stands at 67.2%.
• Odisha FC’s Jerry Lalrinzuala’s impeccable tackling record, which has seen him win all 20 of his attempted tackles, will be important in neutralising Mohammedan SC’s attacking attempts.
ISL Fantasy
Zodingliana Ralte (4.1cr)
The Mohammedan SC player has bagged the highest ISL fantasy points (47) for an Indian player in his side this season
Mourtada Fall (6cr)
The defender has earned the most ISL fantasy points (81) for Odisha FC this season
