Odisha FC starts their ISL campaign facing heavyweight Bengaluru already a win in their hand. Both sides are willing to change the outcome of last season and produce positive football.
OFC vs BFC Match Details :
When: Wednesday, November 24
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Where: Tilak Maidan
OFC vs BFC Match Preview :
After a turbulent 2020/21 campaign, Odisha FC decided to make major changes in the hope to dust away all disappointments this time out. The Juggernauts ended at the bottom of the league with only 12 points, two wins and 44 goals conceded after 20 games last term. The squad went for a major overhaul with Brad Inman, Diego Maurício, Steven Taylor, Cole Alexander, Manuel Onwu, Diawandou Diagne, Jacob Tratt and Marcelinho all leaving. Star arrival has been the Brazilian striker Jonathas Jesus, who scored 6 goals in just 10 games in the UAE league, Javi Hernandez from alongside Indian players like Sahil Panwar. Changes were made on the managerial front too with Kiko Ramirez taking the helm promising an air of optimism within the revamped squad. Their start to the new campaign though is a tough task with Bengaluru also seeking a reversal of their fortunes.
Unlike Odisha, Bengaluru have played a game this season beating NorthEast United 4-2 on Saturday. Their defense wasn't the best that evening but the attack certainly was as one of the club's top scorers from last season, Cleiton Silva managed to get on the scoresheet and provided an assist for Jayesh Rane to score on his ISL debut for Bengaluru. New signing Prince Ibarra made an instant mark coming off the bench and scoring the last goal of a six-goal thriller. Although NorthEast twice came back into the game, it is expected BFC will spot their mistake and rectify them quickly to have a clear margin of goals next time out. The former ISL champions struggled with poor recruits and off form last season, finishing seventh with just 22 points on board and 9 points off the playoff spot. Some long serving players like Erik Patalu and Juanan were also replaced. So they want the outing of this season to be a fruitful one and clear out their miseries.
OFC vs BFC Team News :
Odisha FC will most definitely land their new signings to start the new ISL campaign. Coach Kiko Ramirez is hoping to have his set starting eleven from the first game although it is a tough ask to be definite against an elegant side like Bengaluru who already has played a game this season.
For BFC, coach Marco Pezzaiuoli is expected to make a few changes to their win against Northeast United with Prince Ibarra fighting to start at the front after having a massive impact off the bench in the last game. Another new arrival, Iman Basafa is also pushing for a start. Leon Augustine is out with an injury while Bruno Ramires took a knock on his knee in the win over Northeast but he is available.
OFC vs BFC Expected Lineups :
Odisha: Arshdeep Singh, Lalruatthara, Hendry Antonay, Victor Mongil, Hector Rodas, Sahil Panwar, Jerry, Vinit Rai, Daniel Lalhimpuia, Javi Hernandez, Friday Cabrera, Jonathas, Issac Vanmal
Bengaluru: Singh- Sandhu; Ajith Kumar, Alan Costa, Pratik Chaudhari, Ashique Kuruniyan, Bruno Edgar, Jayesh Rane, Udanta Singh, Sunil Chettri, Cleiton Silva, Prince Ibarra
OFC vs BFC Head to Head :
Bengaluru have been a difficult opposition for Odisha to tackle for the Blues have won five of their last eight matches against Odisha in the Indian Super League. Last season, Bengaluru won the opening clash 2-1 before settling for a 1-1 draw in the second meeting.
OFC vs BFC Dream11 Team Prediction :
GK: Singh-Sandhu (BFC)
DEF: Panwar (OFC), Costa (BFC), Mongil (OFC)
MID: Udanta (BFC), Bruno (BFC), V. Rai (OFC), Javi (OFC)
FW: Jerry (OFC), Ibarra (BFC), C. Silva (BFC)
Match Prediction: Odisha 0-2 Bengaluru
Both sides will be willing to overturn their miserable but Bengaluru FC having played a game for Odisha and starting with a win will surely give them the required momentum for the season. They are favorites to take all three points from the fixture and make it two wins out of two.
