The 11th edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) is set to kick off tomorrow, featuring a clash between two current heavyweights, Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) and Mumbai City FC (MCFC), at Yuva Bharati Stadium in Kolkata. This highly anticipated opener is a rematch of last season’s league-shield decider and the ISL Cup final, making it a fitting start to the tournament.
Head-to-Head
Across all competitions, Mohun Bagan have only defeated the Islanders twice in 12 encounters. Mumbai City FC have won seven times, with three matches ending in draws.
In eight ISL matches, Bagan have managed just one victory, which came in last season’s league-shield decider. Historically, Mumbai City have proven to be a formidable opponent for the Green-and-maroon brigade.
Mohun Bagan
The Kolkata Giants had a strong showing in the recently concluded Durand Cup, though they were stunned by NorthEast United in the final. Despite that setback, they will be eager to start the ISL campaign on a winning note in front of their home crowd.
Jose Molina’s preferred formation has often featured three defenders at the back. It is likely he will stick with this set-up, with Alberto Rodriguez and Tom Aldred anchoring the central defence. However, their defensive performance during the knockout stages of the Durand Cup was shaky, with goals being conceded regularly.
During training sessions, Molina has placed significant emphasis on set pieces, frequently using Greg Stewart and Dimi Petratos in attacking positions. It remains to be seen whether both players will feature in the starting lineup.
Press Conference Quotes
Molina: “Confident of the team and the players. It’s a new chapter, a new team.”
Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia): “We need to improve in all areas, especially [after] we conceded lot of goals. It will be a special match as it is against my former team. But playing for Mohun Bagan is a dream-come-true moment and I want to win the championship with Mohun Bagan.”
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Mumbai City
In the Durand Cup, Mumbai City opted to field a reserve team, while the senior squad participated in a training camp in Thailand. Since his mid-season arrival last year, coach Petr Kratky has made a significant impact, guiding the team to ISL Cup glory. This season, with a host of new signings, his primary goal will be to secure the league shield.
Kratky favours an attacking 4-3-3 formation and has won two out of three encounters against Bagan. Mumbai fans will be hoping for a repeat of last season’s success at Yuva Bharati Stadium.
Pre-match Quotes
Kratky: “Mohun Bagan is one of the toughest teams in the league, so it’s a very good test to face them in the opening game.”
Lallianzuala Chhangte: “Against Mohun Bagan, all small details can make a difference and strong mentality is needed.”
Players to Watch
Mohun Bagan
Jason Cummings has started the season in fine form, consistently finding the net during the Durand Cup. He also boasts an impressive record against Mumbai, scoring four goals in four matches.
However, Petratos has been less effective against the Islanders, with only three assists and no goals to his name. Stewart and Apuia will be key players, having played for Mumbai last season, and they may offer valuable insight into Kratky’s tactics and philosophy.
Mumbai City
Mumbai fans were surprised by the departures of key players like Jorge Pereryra Diaz, Alberto Noguera, Rahul Bheke, and Iker Guarrotxena. However, Kratky and the management have made some major signings to strengthen the squad.
New additions Jon Toral and Jeremy Manzorro will look to dictate play from midfield, while Brandon Fernandes and Jayesh Rane will be vital in supporting the attack as Indian midfielders. Jose Tiri and Thaer Krouma will lead the backline, but it could be Yoell van Nieff as the central defensive midfielder who proves decisive.
Up front, Nikolas Karelis will aim to find the back of the net with the support of wingers Bipin Singh and Vikram Partap Singh. However, the main man in attack remains Chhangte, now with the added responsibility of the captain’s armband. He will be eager to lead from the front this season.
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