The 2025-26 Indian Super League reaches the end of matchday 4, where Mumbai City FC will be taking on SC Delhi at the Mumbai Football Arena. The meeting will be the second time this season the two sides have played each other, with the first game ending in a dominant 4-1 win for Mumbai City. The game was also SC Delhi’s first-ever game.
Now, both sides come into the game with contrasting fortunes. Mumbai City can go up to third in the league with a win, but SC Delhi is still looking for their first points in the league.
Mumbai City
The Islanders come into the match in a significantly better position. Unbeaten in the league with only one goal conceded. However, going forward, problems have still persisted. Only three goals scored, and not creating a huge number of chances either. The majority of shots for Mumbai have come from outside the box this season, and none have resulted in goals.
In the three league games so far, Mumbai have not kept to their usual style of dominating possession. In their wins against Chennaiyin and Kerala Blasters, the Islanders allowed their opponents to hold onto the ball, but were secure in defence to repel attacks. Kratky’s side kept the majority of possession against NorthEast, but were unable to use it and laboured to a draw.
SC Delhi
In their first three games in the ISL, the side have been winless overall, and have only scored one goal: Augustine Lalrochana versus East Bengal. Their past two games against Bengaluru and Goa have been strong defensive performances, but have been ineffective in attack. Against Bengaluru, the side had just three shots, and five against Goa.
One thing that has hurt Delhi is that head coach Tomasz Tchorz has not found an attacking system that fits his side best. However, the side possesses strong young players who can be X-factors, such as the duo of Aimen and Azhar, Alan Saji, and Chhunga Hmar. Matija Babovic also has ability to help the team progress forward.
Team News
For Mumbai, Jorge Ortiz still remains the most notable absentee. However, Petr Kratky gave an update in his press conference on his availability.
“Ortiz is progressing very well. He’s very close. I don’t think he will be (ready) for this game. But for the next game, I think he will be there. But again, he’s still in rehab, but doing a fantastic job. So, he will be back very soon.”
For Delhi, only defender Mohammed Rafi remains unavailable. No updates have been given about his approximate return date either. The side have also signed French defensive midfielder Ousmane Fané, but his availability and match fitness is still uncertain.
Predicted Starting 11s:
Mumbai City
Petr Kratky seems to have found his preferred team selection already, and Mumbai City are likely to remain unchanged. The squad could look like:
Phurba Lachenpa, Valpuia, Nuno Reis, Sahil Panwar, Akash Mishra, Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung (Tluanga), Joni Kauko, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Brandon Fernandes, Vikram Partap Singh, Jorge Pereyra Diaz.
SC Delhi
For Delhi, Tchorz has a rough lineup set, but he is still tinkering a few players around to find his preferred team. However, the performance against Goa had signs of improvement, and could retain similar personnel. The squad could look like:
Nora Fernandes, Manoj Mohammed, Rafael Riberio, Alex Saji, Lamgoulen Semkholun, Abdul Halik Hudu, Mohammed Azhar, Ayush Adhikari, Augustine Lalrochana, Matija Babovic, Joseph Sunny.
Key Battles
Lallianzuala Chhangte vs Manoj Mohammed
Mumbai City’s captain has been a constant threat with his pace on the right wing. Chhangte has also scored in his past two matches. While both were close-range finishes after deflections, he has been at the right place at the right time to finish the chances. Manoj Mohammed is a more defensive full back, but he has struggled recently. With Valpuia also going to be overlapping down the right flank, Manoj will have to be ready to defend the wide threat.
Joni Kauko vs Abdul Halik Hudu
Joni Kauko has been arguably Mumbai’s most pivotal player. His control in midfield has been noteworthy, and it was his attacking contribution that has triggered two out of Mumbai’s three goals. His cross was turned in by Pritam Kotal against Chennaiyin, and his clipped pass led to Pereyra Diaz’s shot, which was eventually turned in by Chhangte. Abdul Halik Hudu will need to be proactive to neutralize his threat in midfield.
This responsibility could go to new signing Ousmane Fané, if Tchorz and the Delhi medical staff decide he is ready to start the game.
Jorge Pereyra Diaz vs Rafael Ribeiro
Rafael Ribeiro was probably Delhi’s most impressive player against FC Goa. The Brazilian is a physical defender who has the ability to impose himself onto games. Alongside either Alex Saji or Clarence Fernandes, he is going to be the senior defender helping out his defensive partner. His defensive ability and experience is going to be important against a striker with the movement and play style of Pereyra Diaz.
When and where to watch the match?
The match is set to kick off at the Mumbai Football Arena at 7:30 pm. The game will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network, and live-streamed on the FanCode digital platform.
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