Match 97 Preview: Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC are fighting for three points in the race for the top four.

On Monday, Bengaluru FC will face Odisha FC in the 97th match of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season at the Athletic Stadium in Panaji, Goa.

The Blues are sixth in the league standings with 23 points from 17 games, while the Kalinga Warriors are seventh with 22 points from 17 games.

In their most recent encounter, Marco Pezzaiuoli’s side were defeated 2-1 by NorthEast United FC. Chhetri and company gained the lead at the hour mark, but NEUFC scored two late goals to hand them their second loss in a row.

Odisha FC, on the other side, drew 2-2 with Chennaiyin FC in their most recent encounter. They had six shots on goal opposed to three for CFC.

While both teams’ semi-final hopes are contingent on the results of other teams, they would still like to remain in the race.

Head-To-Head

The two sides have faced each other on five occasions, out of which three of them went in Bengaluru FC’s favour, one in Odisha FC’s, and one resulted in a draw.

Form Guide

Bengaluru FC: WWWLL

Bengaluru FC have registered three wins and two back-to-back losses in their last five games. BFC were uneaten for nine games straight but defeats at the hands of Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United FC have dampened their top four aspirations.

Odisha FC: LDWLD

Odisha FC have drawn two, lost two and won one in their last five matches. They have collected only five points from a possible 15 during the backend of the season.

Team News

Bengaluru FC

In the official pre-match press conference, coach Marco Pezzaiuoli revealed that Gurpreet Singh Sandhu had high fever for five to six days and won’t be available for the Odisha FC’s game. He further clarified that Sandhu doesn’t have Covid-19,

Odisha FC

In the official pre-match press conference, coach Kino Garcia informed that he has a full squad available for selection against Bengaluru FC.

Key Players

Odisha FC

Javi Hernandez

The midfielder has scored six goals and provided five assists in 17 matches. He has scored all six goals from outside the box. Defensively, he has made 27 tackles, 11 blocks, 11 interceptions, and nine clearances. 

Jonathas Cristian

The striker has eight goals and four assists in 14 matches. He has played under a thousand minutes till now but has proved to be influential whenever called off from the bench.

Bengaluru FC

Cleiton Silva

The forward has eight goals and three assists in 16 matches. His ability to link up with players around him poses a big threat to the opposition backlines.

Danish Farooq

The midfielder has two goals and two assists to his name in 15 matches. He has been key to BFC’s offensive play this season.

Key Stats

Century for BFC

Bengaluru FC’s match against Odisha FC will be their 100th match in the Hero ISL.

Set-Piece joy for one, trouble for others

Bengaluru FC have scored the joint highest goals from set-pieces (17) in the league this season. Whereas, Odisha FC have conceded more goals from set-pieces (15) than any other team this season.

Match timings and telecast details

Match: Bengaluru FC vs Odisha FC

Date: February 21, 2022

Venue: Athletic Stadium, Panaji, Goa

Kick-off time: 7.30 pm IST

Telecast: Star Sports Network

Online Streaming: Disney+Hotstar and JioTV.