Odisha FC vs Mohammedan SC: ISL 2024-25 Match Preview
Date: December 27, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
The Indian Super League (ISL) clash between Odisha FC and Mohammedan SC marks their first-ever meeting in the league. Odisha FC, currently in strong form, aims to continue their winning streak, while Mohammedan SC seeks redemption after a challenging debut season.
Team Form and Standings
Odisha FC
- Current position: 5th
- Points: 19 from 12 matches
- Last five matches: Accumulated 11 points, including two consecutive away wins.
- Odisha FC has already set a new record with 11 victories in 2024, surpassing their previous-best tally of 10 wins in 2023.
Mohammedan SC
- Current position: Struggling debut season with five consecutive losses.
- Scoring issues: Only five goals scored this season, despite an expected goals (xG) tally of 12.44, highlighting a -7.44 xG differential.
Key Factors for Mohammedan SC
- Scoring Woes:
Mohammedan SC has failed to score in their last three matches. Their primary attacker, Franca, has 53 touches in the opposition box but remains goalless, underscoring inefficiency in converting opportunities. - Alexis Gomez’s Influence:
Gomez ranks third in passes made in the final third (181) this season, with a 67.2% accuracy rate. His playmaking will be critical in breaking through Odisha FC’s solid defense.
Odisha FC’s Strengths
- Offensive Firepower:
- Odisha FC has scored 25 goals this season, with a +10.96 xG differential, the best in the league.
- Diego Mauricio’s goal contributions every 68.6 minutes make him a key player to watch.
- Defensive Stability:
- Sergio Lobera, Odisha’s coach, has a perfect record against first-time ISL opponents, with his teams keeping clean sheets in six of the last seven such encounters.
- Jerry Lalrinzuala’s tackling success (20/20 tackles won) will play a pivotal role in neutralizing Mohammedan SC’s attacks.
Coaches Speak
Mohammedan SC – Andrey Chernyshov:
“Odisha FC play brilliantly with a possession-based style. They have experienced players and a skilled coach. It will be a tough match for us, but we are prepared to give our best.”
Odisha FC – Anthony Fernandes:
“Mohammedan SC are a good side despite their results. We need to cut down mistakes and maintain a positive mindset to secure a win.”
Players to Watch
- Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC): Key offensive player, contributing goals consistently in away matches.
- Alexis Gomez (Mohammedan SC): The team’s most creative player in the attacking third.
- Mourtada Fall (Odisha FC): A defensive stalwart with the highest ISL fantasy points (81) for the team.
Broadcast Details
- Streaming: JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam)
- Telecast: Sports 18 – 3, Sports 18 – 1, Sports 18 – 2, Sports 18 – Khel, Star Sports 3, Asianet Plus (Malayalam).
With Odisha FC’s aim to climb further up the table and Mohammedan SC’s desperate pursuit of form, this clash promises to be a high-stakes encounter. Can Odisha maintain their dominance, or will Mohammedan SC finally turn their season around? Tune in to find out!