Kolkata, Dec 14 (UNI) The Kishore Bharati Krirangan will host the first-ever Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 match between Mohammedan SC and Mumbai City FC on Sunday.
The Islanders come into this encounter on a strong run of form when facing new opponents in the ISL, having won their last four such games and having lost only one game in Kolkata in nine games.
On the other hand, Mohammedan SC are still searching for their first home victory this season, having fallen short of winning any of their five home fixtures (D1 L4). Their inability to keep a clean sheet in their own backyard has also hampered their prospects.
The matchup thus represents a fixture between two contrasting narratives, i.e. Mumbai City FC’s pursuit of consistency against unfamiliar foes and Mohammedan SC’s quest to reverse their home fortunes.
Mumbai City FC have been in formidable form while playing in Kolkata, losing just one of their last nine ISL matches in the city. This run includes six wins and two draws, with the only loss coming against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on April 15, 2024 (1-2).
Mumbai City FC have faced the fewest shots on target per game this season (three per game) but have a save percentage of only 58.1%, the second lowest in the league. This paradox highlights issues in goalkeeping efficiency, with Kerala Blasters FC being the only side with a lower save percentage (47.5%). Thus, Mohammedan SC can look to launch lethal, timely attacks to find the back of the net.
Mohammedan SC’s form at home has been disappointing, as they have lost their last three consecutive home fixtures, the joint-longest active home losing streak in the ISL (along with Hyderabad FC). Maximising points at home is a critical component for any team to move up the points table and Mohammedan SC hence need to fix the drawbacks holding them back from doing so.
Despite accumulating an expected goals (xG) total of 12.11 this season, Mohammedan SC have only scored five goals, making them the lowest-ranked side in the league in terms of xG differential (-7.11). This reflects the side’s inefficiency in converting chances into goals, something that the Islanders can target by strengthening their defensive unit to prevent goal-scoring chances from coming their way.
As aforementioned, this is the first time these two sides are facing each other in the ISL.
Mohammedan SC head coach Andrey Chernyshov said that he is focusing on getting the processes for the preparation right with his players.
“For me, it’s very important to work on the ground with the players, train them well, make them ready for the matches. Other than that, the outside noise is not interesting for me,” Chernyshov said.
Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky expressed confidence in his team’s form and mentioned that they will be finding their groove upfront soon.
“We have done a lot of good work this season, so we just need to take belief from that. As we start scoring goals, the confidence will get up. I feel like we are on a threshold where it is going to happen soon,” Kratky said.
Mumbai City FC’s Nikolaos Karelis has been a major attacking threat this season, averaging 5.6 touches in the opposition’s box per game, the third highest in the league. He has also attempted 2.5 shots from inside the box per game, second only to Alaaeddine Ajaraie (2.9 per game). With four goals from inside the box, Karelis will be central to Mumbai’s goal-scoring endeavours.
Mohammedan SC’s Alexis Gomez has not recorded an assist despite creating 15 chances this season — the most by any player yet to set up a goal. His creativity will be crucial as for Mohammedan SC, but he will also want to get some goal contributions under his belt.
Mumbai City FC’s Tiri’s influence on the pitch has been holistic, as he has made 231 forward passes this season, the second highest among outfield players (behind Ahmed Jahouh’s 347). He also has the joint-most progressive carries (52) for Mumbai City FC, highlighting his role in building attacking moves.
