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ISL 2024-25: Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City battle for supremacy in Season Opener

Image Credit: ISL

The 11th variant of the Indian Super League ISL is set to begin with a dynamic clash betwixt Mourn Bagan Super Giant MBSG and Mumbai City FC MCFC at the picture Suva Sharai Stadium in Kolkata.

The biliousness opener, scheduled for tomorrow, rekindles one of the fiercest rivalries in Indian football, as the two clubs faced off in both last season’s conference Barbour decider and the ISL Cup final.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this showdown, which promises to set the tone for the season. 

Head to Head: Mumbai City Dominates 

Head-to-Head: Mumbai City’s Dominance

  • Mumbai City FC: 7 wins
  • Mohun Bagan: 2 wins
  • Draws: 3

Historical Catchups Mourn Hagan had historically struggled against Mumbai City FC as well as managed only two wins in 12 encounters across all competitions.

Mumbai City has emerged victorious seven times, with three matches ending in draws. In ISL matches, Mohan Bagan had only one win an important triumph in the league shield decider last season.

Despite their boilersuit record, Mohan Bagan’s advanced success gave them hope as they aim to start their ISL campaign on a high note in front of their aflame home supporters.


Mohun Bagan’s Game Plan and Key Players

  • Greg Stewart: Former Mumbai City player, key attacker
  • Jason Cummings: Top scorer with 4 goals in 4 matches against Mumbai
  • Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia): Emphasizes the importance of the match

Molina’s confidence in his squad:

“It’s a new chapter, a new team.”

Mohun Bagan enters the ISL opener after a strong showing in the Durand Cup, although they were upset by NorthEast United in the final.

Coach Jose Molina, known for his preference for a three-defender formation, is expected to rely on experienced defenders Alberto Rodriguez and Tom Aldred to anchor the backline.

However, the team’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed during the Durand Cup knockout stages, with frequent goals conceded.

Molina has emphasized set pieces during training, utilizing attackers Greg Stewart and Dimitrios Petratos extensively. Stewart, who previously played for Mumbai City, will be one of the key players to watch.

Another critical player for Mohun Bagan is Jason Cummings, who has started the season in fine form, consistently finding the net in the Durand Cup and boasting an impressive record against Mumbai, scoring four goals in four matches.

Ahead of the match, Molina expressed confidence in his squad, saying, “It’s a new chapter, a new team.” Meanwhile, midfielder Lalengmawia Ralte, popularly known as Apuia, who joined from Mumbai City, emphasized the significance of the game, stating, “Playing for Mohun Bagan is a dream come true moment, and I want to win the championship with Mohun Bagan.”

Related articles: Where and How to Follow the Intercontinental Cup 2024 Fixtures?


Mumbai City’s Tactics and Fresh Faces

  • Formation: 4-3-3 under coach Petr Kratky
  • Key Players:
    • Nikolas Karelis: Spearheading the attack
    • Bipin Singh & Vikram Singh: Wingers
    • Jose Tiri & Thaer Krouma: Defensive anchors
  • Captain: Lallianzuala Chhangte

Mumbai City FC, who opted to rest their senior squad during the Durand Cup in favor of a training camp in Thailand, will be refreshed and ready under the guidance of coach Petr Kratky.

Since his arrival last season, Kratky has had a substantial impact, leading Mumbai to ISL Cup glory.

This season, with several new signings, Kratky’s primary objective will be to secure the league shield, a trophy that eluded them last year.

Kratky favors an attacking 4-3-3 formation, and he has had the upper hand in encounters against Mohun Bagan, winning two out of three matches.

Key players for Mumbai include new midfield additions Jon Toral and Jeremy Manzorro, who are expected to dictate the tempo of the game.

Indian midfielders Brandon Fernandes and Jayesh Rane will also play crucial roles in supporting the attack.

Defensively, Mumbai City will rely on Jose Tiri and Thaer Krouma to lead the backline, with Yoell van Nieff likely playing a pivotal role as the central defensive midfielder.

Up front, Greek striker Nikolas Karelis will spearhead the attack, flanked by wingers Bipin Singh and Vikram Partap Singh.

Lallianzuala Change, who has taken on the added obligation of the captain’s armband, stiff the main man in approaching and looked to encourage his team from the front. 

Speaking ahead of the game, Bratty acknowledged the contravention posed by Mohan Bagan, saying, “Mohan Bagan is one of the toughest teams in the league, so it’s a very good test to face them in the opening game.” Change added, “Against Mohan Bagan, all small details could make a difference, and a brilliant strategy is needed.” 


A Thrilling Start to the ISL Season

As both teams gear up for this much-anticipated encounter, fans could anticipate a ferociously contested match filled with tactical battles and individual brilliance.

With new signings eager to make their mark and seasoned players looking to importune their dominance, the opening game between Mohan Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC promises to slant a thrilling start to the ISL 2024-25 season.

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References:

sportstar.thehindu.com

indiansuperleague.com

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