Odisha FC meets Mumbai City in the Tilak Maidan with both teams looking for three points to begin the new year on a high. The Kalinga Army are seeking their first victory after four games whereas the Islanders are wishing for the same following two winless matches.
OFC vs MCFC Match Details :
When: Monday, January 3rd 2022
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Where: Tilak Maidan
OFC vs MCFC Match Preview :
Odisha FC got hammered brutally 6-1 by Hyderabad FC in their last game before the new year denting their hopes of moving into playoffs places further. The defense was a headache for coach Kiko Ramirez all season and it was breached again badly in the previous week. The attack too led them down with only an own goal from Hyderabad's Juanan to show for on the score sheet rather than the name of any of their forwards. Ramirez has so far failed to reach the promise that was shown early in the season with the players not good enough to overturn the appalling results.
No wins in four is a testament of that. The Juggernauts have conceded 12 runs in that run with only three goals scored. The challenge to turn things around gets a lot tougher in the next game facing the champions, having a wobble on their part towards the end of last year. Coach Ramirez won't be seen on the touchline again for this as he serves his ban.
The holders stammered in their last two games in the year of 2021 losing 3-0 Kerala surprisingly and then drawing a 3-3 thriller with NorthEast United following a four game winning streak.
Deshorn Brown came back to haunt Mumbai City ,after his brace in the 2-1 win last season, with a cracking hat trick leaving coach Des Buckingham to refigure his plans for the new year. While the attack fired this time, the defense felt the need of Mourtada Fall after his second booking against Kerala Blasters. The Islanders managed only two clean sheets in eight games so far anyway. Though they have the third best defense in the league with 13 goals conceded. Keeping aside the last two matches, Mumbai City had been dominating through their exquisite frontline. Igor Angulo has already made nine goal contributions bettering his tally from previous campaign with Bipin Singh already contributing to five goals. Against a favourable opposition next, Mumbai are wishing to start 2022 by strengthening the lead on top with a win.
Recent Form :
Odisha FC: WLLDL
Mumbai City FC: WWWLD
OFC vs MCFC Team News :
Odisha FC have a fully fit squad for the game with left-back Sahil Panwar and goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh back in the fold. Mumbai City 's boost is star defender Mourtada Fall is back from suspension and will be back for the game.
OFC vs MCFC Expected Lineups :
Odisha FC: Kamaljit Singh; Lalhrezuala Sailung, Gaurav Bora, Victor Mongil, Hendry Antonay, Vinit Rai, Krasniqi, Issac Vanmalsawma, Javi Hernandez, Nandha Kumar, Jonathas Jesus
Mumbai City FC: Mohammad Nawaz; Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Rahul Bheke, Mandar Dessai, Apuia, Ahmed
Jahouh, Cassio Gabriel, Ygor Catatau, Bipin Singh, Igor Angulo
OFC vs MCFC Head to Head
Odisha FC and Mumbai City have registered two wins each in the last four games between the sides. MCFC have won the last two with an aggregate score of 8-1 courtesy of a huge 6-1 victory over the Juggernauts in the latest meeting last season. Bipin Singh scored a splendid hat trick in the match.
OFC vs MCFC Dream11 Team Prediction :
GK: Nawaz (MCFC)
DEF: Ranawade (MCFC), Bheke (MCFC), V. Mongil (OFC), Dessai (MCFC)
MID: Vanmalsawma (OFC), Jahouh (MCFC), Javi (OFC)
FW: Jonathas (OFC), Angulo (MCFC), Bipin (MCFC)
