The grand finale of the Indian Super League(ISL) is fast approaching and we are about to witness the most highly-anticipated match of the season. The two best teams, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FCare set to battle it out for the coveted ISL Cup.

Both teams have had an eventful season, with both their head coaches, Antonio Habas and Peter Kratky, taking charge mid-season under short notice. At the time, both teams weren't at their very best. However, with the key tweaks, both teams have progressed significantly throughout the 2023-24 season.

When we look back at the two previous encounters between the two sides, it's evident that there were standout performers who played an instrumental role in their team's journey to the ISL final. These players demonstrated excellent skill, experience, and determination on the pitch, making each match exciting to watch.

The stage is set for the biggest clash of the season, the current League Shield holders, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, are the likely favourites, having dominated the league this season. However, the League Shield runners-up, Mumbai City FC, have proven themselves to be a formidable opponent and are not to be underestimated.

So, on this occasion, as we eagerly wait in anticipation for the match-up between two of the best teams in the ISL this season, let us take a look at the key battles that await us.

Subhasish Bose vs Lallianzuala Chhangte

Subhasish Bose, the captain of Mohun Bagan SG, has been a standout performer for his team throughout the season. His appearance stat of 100% is a testament to his reliability and dedication to the team's success. Bose has been a crucial player in the Mariners' winning formula, providing a dependable divide between the opposition's forwards with 26 blocks, 31 interceptions, 36 tackles won, and 142 duels won. Bose has also been a force to be reckoned with when in possession, spearheading control and progressive plays. He has made 125 recoveries, showcasing his ability to regain possession for his team. He has completed 908 successful passes, highlighting his accuracy and vision on the field. Bose has created 15 chances for his team, demonstrating his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. Additionally, he has scored one goal.

So, it will be very thrilling when the Mariners' 28-year-old fullback goes head-to-head with the most successful Indian offensive player of this season, Mumbai City FC's Lallianzuala Chhangte.

This season, the Mumbai City FC team has been fortunate to have a talented and consistent offensive player in their ranks. The 26-year-old winger, Chhangte, has been a crucial part of the Islanders' system, playing in all 24 games of the season. His performances have been exceptional, with his deadly-effective runs through the flanks, and his inverted ball-carrying runs into the box. He has successfully completed 35 dribbles, made 32 key passes, created 38 chances, had 25 shots on target, provided six assists, and scored an impressive 10 goals.

In recent games, Chhangte has been on top form, scoring in all five of his previous outings.In total, he has contributed seven goals and one assist in the last five matches. Chhangte's ability to create opportunities for his team and score goals has been truly impressive, making him a valuable asset to the Mumbai City FC team and a key player to watch out for in the upcoming game.

Hector Yuste vs Pereyra Diaz

Mohun Bagan SG's Hector Yuste has proven to be one of the toughest and most focused defensive players on the Mariners' roster. Since his signing in August, the Spaniard has appeared in 23 out of 24 games this season. He has been hunkering down as the last line of defence during attacking plays and has dominated the vast majority of aerial duels, winning 57 of them.

Yuste has played a pivotal role in keeping eight of the nine clean sheets for the Mariners this season. Along with providing efficient passing and progression options from the back, he has maintained an impressive 87% passing accuracy while making an average of 44 passes per game. He has a clear advantage in making vital recoveries and clearances with 116 and 83 respectively. The combination of Yuste, Anwar Ali, and Subhasish Bose has resulted in a sturdy and reactive backline for the Mariners.

In the previous match against the Mariners, Jorge Pereyra Diaz faced a formidable defender in Yuste during the Shield decider. Despite the challenge, Diaz has a remarkable track record of scoring goals in tight situations, which can be difficult for even the most skilled defenders to defend against. His ability to find the back of the net in close-quarter situations makes him a valuable asset for the Islanders.

Diaz has scored nine goals from 16 appearances this season, with the majority of them coming from sneaky close-range shots. He has a high goal conversion rate of 31.03 and has created 22 chances, making him a highly effective forward for the team. These stats demonstrate his potential to be a game-changer in the upcoming finals against Antonio Habas's Mohun Bagan SG. With Diaz on their side, the Islanders have a lethal weapon that could help them secure the coveted title.

Dimitrios Petratos vs Tiri

Dimitri Petratos, the attacking midfielder for Mohun Bagan SG, has been consistently performing at a high level throughout this season of the ISL. His impressive stats speak for themselves, with 10 goals and 7 assists in just 22 outings. Petratos has created a commanding 59 goal-scoring chances and provided 52 key passes, showcasing his exceptional playmaking abilities. He has also been able to complete10 dribbles, proving his agility and skill on the ball. Notably, he has ventured into the box frequently, with 68 touches from within the opposition's box. Petratos has a trigger-happy foot, with a total of 37 shots, of which 29 are on target. This has put consistent pressure on the opponents' final third while linking up well with his teammates to push further forward.

Petartos' excellence will meet Tiri's consistency and experience. The Spaniard has been one of the best defenders in the league for the past few years and has the experience of winning titles having won the ISL Cup twice with ATK FC in 2016 and Mohun Bagan SG last season. He will be the perfect player to tackle the threat posed by Petratos and also lead the Mumbai City FC defence during the game. A solid defender both on the ground and in the air, Tiri is tailormade for the occasion Mumbai City FC face on Saturday.

All these stats surely make this battle quite a pivotal encounter for this season's much-awaited final fixture.

Related tags:

Mumbai City FCMohun Bagan Super Giant2023-2024 Subhasish BoseJorge Pereyra DiazDimitrios PetratosYoell Van NieffHector Yuste Canton