Indian Football League

Match 48: OFC vs. MCFC

Preview

After a good start to the season, Odisha has completely lost control and slipped down to the 8th position in the league. Mumbai on the other hand has also dropped points in the last couple of games and most importantly, they don’t look inevitable like they were in the previous season or in some of the games this season. Both the teams desperately need a win in order to bring their train on track and the forwards will be on target.

Mumbai’s defense will once again be tested when they face Odisha. In their last two matches, the team has conceded six goals in total – three against Kerala and three against the Highlanders. Coach Des Buckingham needs to sort that out immediately as conceding a lot of goals is not in Mumbai’s DNA. When it comes to the attackers, the Indian forwards have done really well for the club. Igor Angulo scored a brace in the last match and that should bring back his form for the remainder of the season as he is a very important player for the club. Ahmed Jahouh has been absolutely fantastic for the club. He is controlling the game and creating all the chances for the Islanders. The team is however coming to a standstill when any opponent is pressing him and Apuia. Coach Buckingham needs to find a plan B as we are approaching the business end of the tournament.

Speaking to the press before the match, the coach spoke about his plans by saying, “We want to continue to attack and play exciting football. But, we also need to make sure that defensively we’re better set up”.

When it comes to Odisha, former champion Javi Hernandez will be extremely crucial for the Juggernauts. The Spaniard has already scored four times and assisted twice. He will also be in charge of the midfield as he will have the responsibility of controlling the City players and mainly to block Jahouh. Victor Mongil, the captain of the ship, needs to have a big game tonight. He needs to lead by example and stop the likes of Angulo and Bipin Singh; players who can be extremely dangerous against Odisha who struggle to defend.

OFC vs. MCFC Predicted Line Ups

OFC – Kamaljit Singh (GK), Victor Mongil (C), Hector Ramirez, Hendry Antonay, Sahil Panwar, Javier Hernandez, Thoiba Singh, Isaac Chhakchhuak, Aridai Suarez, Nandhakumar Sekar, Jerry Mawihmingthanga.

MCFC - Mohammad Nawaz (GK), Rahul Bheke, Amey Ranawade, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Mourtada Fall (c), Cassio Gabriel, Ahmed Jahouh, Raynier Fernandes, Lalengmawia, Igor Angulo, Bipin Singh.

Match Prediction

Mumbai can be all over Odisha if the Juggernauts don’t defend well. This has been the case in the last few matches and Mumbai will be showing no mercy. To stop Mumbai, the club needs to built pressure and control the midfield. It is very unlikely that they will be successful in that but in football, there’s always a hope.

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