Mohun Bagan versus Mumbai City. A competitive rivalry stemming between the two teams with the most ISL trophies: two ISL Shields and two ISL Cups each. A rivalry intensified by Mohun Bagan buying Apuia last season, and now Mehtab Singh this season. While the gap seems vast, Mumbai City have been a “bogey team” for Mohun Bagan. In their twelve previous league meetings, Mumbai City has seven victories, Mohun Bagan have one solitary win, and there have been four draws.
This game is arguably the most difficult game of the season for most, if not all teams this season. For Mumbai City, it is no different. Mohun Bagan has one of, if not the strongest squad in the league, and while Mumbai has quality, the raw player power is less than that of the Mariners. This game will be between two out of the three teams still unbeaten in the league, with FC Goa being the other still-unbeaten team.
Mohun Bagan
Mohun Bagan have been almost-perfect. The only blemish on their season so far has been their 0-0 draw away at Bengaluru FC in their previous game. Otherwise, three out of five games have ended in clean sheets. In the other two games, Sergio Lobera’s side have scored 5 goals in each.
The Kolkata-based side have looked sleek on the pitch, with key players in attack like Dimi Petratos, Robson Robinho, and Liston Colaco looking sharp. Jamie Maclaren in attack is also showing his clinical finishing, already sitting on seven goals in four matches. Against Odisha, the Australian became only the second player to score four goals in one game, with the other being Modou Sougou in Mumbai City’s 6-1 victory over Kerala Blasters in the 2018/19 season.
Mumbai City
The Islanders have had a slow start to the season, with key offensive players taking time to start firing. Recently though, Petr Kratky’s side have put up improved performances, showing slow signs of progress. After the two disappointing draws against NorthEast United and Delhi, the club’s win over Inter Kashi was a step in the right direction. However, even the Kashi game indicated towards the worrying trend of not being able to see out games.
In the previous game against Inter Kashi, despite being without forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz, midfielder Brandon Fernandes, and defenders Dhruv Alva and Sahil Panwar, the side were still able to come away with the win. Head coach Petr Kratky used a 3-2-4-1 formation at various points during the game, which also played in Mumbai’s favour. However, Valpuia, who was a pivotal part of the system on the right side, picked up a red card, which could give Kratky both a selection and a system dilemma.
Team news
For Mohun Bagan, Alberto Rodriguez and Robson Robinho were question marks going into the game, but head coach Sergio Lobera confirmed their availability in the press conference. This means Lobera is approaching the game with a fully-fit squad at his disposal.
For Mumbai City, Valpuia is out after his red card against Inter Kashi. Midfielder Brandon Fernandes is also out, having not recovered enough to travel. Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Sahil Panwar, and Dhruv Alva are still question marks, the trio have travelled, but no update on their fitness.
The three would be crucial here, considering Mumbai’s lack of depth at striker, and need for a right-back. However, Jorge Ortiz looks to be back at full fitness after playing 70 minutes against Kashi.
Predicted starting 11s:
Mohun Bagan (4-2-3-1)
The Mariners will likely approach this game with a similar lineup to their game against Bengaluru FC, spare for bringing Robson back into the team. Their lineup could look like:
Vishal Kaith, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Mehtab Singh, Alberto Rodrigues, Subhasish Bose, Anirudh Thapa, Apuia, Robson Robinho, Dimi Petratos, Liston Colaco, Jamie Maclaren.
Mumbai City (4-2-3-1)
The Islanders come into the game with a number of absentees, but crucially, have their talismanic Spaniard Jorge Ortiz back. Their lineup could look like:
Phurba Lachenpa, Dhruv Alva, Nuno Reis, Bijay Chhetri, Akash Mishra, Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung (Tluanga), Joni Kauko, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Jorge Ortiz, PN Noufal, Jorge Pereyra Diaz.
Key battles
Tekcham Abhishek Singh vs PN Noufal
A key positive for Mumbai in the past two games has been winger PN Noufal on the left wing. The Malabar-born winger has been a threat down the wing with his raw pace, and looks to be using that pace and combining it with end product. However, Abhishek is arguably the best right-back in India, and he has been solid under Lobera. It stands to see whether Abhishek will be able to contain Noufal.
Jamie Maclaren vs Nuno Reis
Jamie Maclaren is already running away with the Golden Boot. The forward has been scoring goals consistently, and is also being given the chances to put away by the players behind him. Part of what makes him so deadly is his movement as well. Maclaren can find space for himself, and do damage with only a snap-shot. Nuno Reis will have to be perfect to keep Maclaren out of the game.
Liston Colaco vs Dhruv Alva
Right-back will remain a question for Mumbai City up until the lineups are released. Dhruv Alva, Sahil Panwar, and Amandeep are all not completely match-fit, while moving Bijay Chhetri to the right is also a less probable option due to the lack of center-back cover.
On pure quality though, one would assume the choice would be Alva. Whoever is picked, though, will have the task of dealing with Liston Colaco, who can trouble any full-back with his pace, trickery, and ability on the ball. Coming up against a player like Liston, if he can hit his stride early, will always be a challenge. Especially for a right-back low on match fitness.
When and where to watch the match?
The match is set to kick off at the Salt Lake Stadium 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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