ISL 2020-21: Mumbai City FC vs Odisha FC - Preview, Predicted Lineups and Channel

Preview

It’s a double-header in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday with the first match between Mumbai City FC and Odisha FC. Mumbai City come into the game on the back of two consecutive victories and look like they are finally settling down into a rhythm. On the other hand, Odisha are second from bottom and are still looking for their first victory this season.

What will give Odisha head coach Stuart Baxter some confidence coming into this game is the fact that they won both games against the Islanders last season. However, it is almost a completely overhauled and a much more dangerous Mumbai City side. Odisha need to work better in defence as they look to stop a run of 9 matches without a clean sheet. That becomes all the more important considering the fact that Sergio Lobera’s men have a 100% win rate in matches where they have scored the first goal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-njRCBu83NY

Squad Overview

Mumbai will be missing left back Mandar Rao after his father unfortunately passed away a couple of days back. Tondonba Singh is the likely replacement. They should have a full strength squad otherwise with the likes of Ahmed Jahouh, Hugo Boumous, Rowlin Borges and Adam Le Fondre firing on all cylinders. Bipin Singh was also quite impressive against SC East Bengal and should retain his place in the side.

In defence too, they have big names like Mourtada Fall and Hernan Santana available while the youngster Mohamad Rakip has also been quite dependable. The only major question in Sergio Lobera’s mind would be whether to start both Bart Ogbeche and Le Fondre together after the former was kept on the bench for the last two games.

https://twitter.com/OdishaFC/status/1335427973193715713

For Stuart Baxter, Diego Mauricio is the dangerman after a scintillating cameo against Jamshedpur FC where he scored a brace. Although he didn’t have as good an outing against ATK Mohun Bagan, Odisha gave a good account of themselves overall in that match. The former South Africa national team coach will also be asking more from his star midfielder Marcelinho while the recently inducted Cole Alexander will also be looking to make a mark. With Vinit Rai, Thoiba Singh and Jerry Mawihmingthanga all injured, the starting eleven should mostly be the same as against the Mariners. Manuel Onwu is the other forward who might get a look in down the left.

Predicted Lineups and Result

Mumbai City FC:

Amrinder Singh; Mohamad Rakip, Mourtada Fall, Hernan Santana, Tondonba Singh; Ahmed Jahouh, Rowlin Borges; Bipin Singh, Hugo Boumous, Pranjal Bhumij; Adam Le Fondre

Odisha FC:

Kamaljit Singh; Shubham Sarangi, Steven Taylor, Jacob Tratt, Hendry Antonay; Cole Alexander, Gaurav Bora; Premjit Singh, Marcelinho, Nandakumar Sekar; Diego Mauricio

Result:

Mumbai City FC 3 - 1 Odisha FC

TV Channel and Livestream

The match will be telecast across Star Network’s sports and regional channels. It can also be streamed live on Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV. Kick-off is at 5 pm IST.