Match 100 Preview: Odisha FC is attempting to derail ATK Mohun Bagan’s campaign for the title.
Odisha FC will play for dignity against ATK Mohun Bagan in Match 100 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season on Thursday at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco, Goa, after their semi-final’s dreams were dashed by Mumbai City FC’s win over SC East Bengal on Tuesday.
A win for ATK Mohun Bagan, who are undefeated under head coach Juan Ferrando, will put them in first place and bring them one step closer to the League Winners’ Shield.
Form Guide
Odisha FC: DWLDL
Kino Garcia’s men are placed seventh in the league table with 22 points in 18 games, picking up six wins, four draws, and eight losses. Their 1-2 defeat against Bengaluru FC crushed their semi-final hopes and they will look to make the most out of the remaining campaign.
ATK Mohun Bagan: DWWWD
The Green and Maroons are placed third in the league standings with 30 points in 16 games and have a game in hand. Having drawn just twice in their last five matches, the Mariners are on a high. Juan Ferrando’s men scored a last-minute goal to sustain their unbeaten run and will look to continue their momentum against Odisha FC.
Team News
ATK Mohun Bagan
In the pre-match press conference, head coach Juan Ferrando informed that some players are not fully fit, and Roy Krishna is unlikely to play full 90 minutes.
Head-To-Head
The two sides have met each other thrice in the Hero ISL, with ATK Mohun Bagan being the dominant team, winning twice, while the other one ending in a goalless draw – which took place in Match 53 earlier this season.
Key Players
Odisha FC
Jonathas Cristian: The Brazilian has been a key figure in the Odisha FC team, bolstering their attack with eight goals and four assists in 15 games.
Isaac Chaakchhuak: The midfielder has gone under the radar for his performances. Chhakchhuak has made 51 tackles, 23 blocks, 14 interceptions, and five clearances in 18 games alongside providing two assists.
ATK Mohun Bagan
Joni Kauko: The Finnish midfielder has netted twice and provided five assists this season. Kauko, along with Boumous, is the joint leading assist provider for his side this season with five assists.
Liston Colaco: The winger has 10 goal contributions and is among the leading Indian goalscorers this season. In addition, the Goan has made 41 tackles, 12 blocks, and 10 interceptions.
Key Stats
Dropping it and losing it
In their last seven matches, Odisha FC have picked up only 6 points and that has played a key role in them being knocked out of the running for the semi-finals. A key reason for their solitary win in the last seven matches is their inability to hold on to a lead. They have dropped many points as a result of that. All 10 points they have dropped from winning positions this season have come in the last seven matches.
Regaining points from losing positions
ATK Mohun Bagan have gained 11 points from losing positions this season, only Bengaluru FC (12) have gained more points from losing positions in this season.
Match timings and telecast details:
Match: Odisha FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan
Date: February 24, 2022
Venue: Tilak Maidan Stadium, Vasco da Gama, Goa
Kick-off time: 7.30 pm IST
Telecast: Star Sports Network
Online Streaming: Disney+Hotstar and JioTV.