The Indian Super League (ISL) will see another high-stakes clash as Mohun Bagan Super Giant take on Kerala Blasters FC on Saturday. While the two sides find themselves in very different positions on the table, one common thread binds them: two strikers in their debut ISL season who have been pivotal to their respective teams.

Jamie Maclaren of Mohun Bagan SG and Jesus Jimenez of Kerala Blasters FC have both made their mark, albeit in contrasting ways. As the two sides prepare to battle it out at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, all eyes will be on these two goal-getters to see who can tip the scales in their team’s favor.

Maclaren, the poacher

Maclaren arrived at Mohun Bagan SG with a reputation as a clinical finisher from the A-League, and while his numbers may not scream dominance, he has consistently chipped in with crucial goals. With eight goals and two assists in 19 appearances, Maclaren has quietly done his job. His minutes tally (1377) suggests that he’s been a mainstay in the team, and his knack for finding the net, even when not in top form, has kept him relevant in the Mariners squad who have been chasing the Shield.

One of the biggest talking points about Maclaren’s season so far has been his inconsistency. He has only managed to score in back-to-back games once, and while he did grab a brace on one occasion, he’s yet to hit a prolonged purple patch. But the Australian striker has been a reliable figure for Mohun Bagan SG, ensuring they maintain their position at the top of the table with 46 points from 20 games.

Jimenez, the unstoppable force

On the other end of the pitch, Jimenez has been in red-hot form for Kerala Blasters FC. With 11 goals in just 16 matches and only 1166 minutes under his belt, his efficiency in front of goal has been remarkable. What makes his run even more impressive is his ability to string together a streak of scoring performances. The Spaniard has found the net in six consecutive matches.

Jimenez’s season started with a bang, netting eight times in nine games between October and December before an injury set him back. While the Blasters have struggled for consistency as a team, Jimenez’s reliability has been their biggest weapon. His ability to score without having netted any brace this season suggests that he thrives on consistency rather than moments of individual brilliance. For a Kerala Blasters FC side that has struggled defensively, conceding 30 goals in 19 games, Jimenez’s goals have been their lifeline.

Two teams in contrasting positions

Looking at the bigger picture, Mohun Bagan SG are comfortably perched at the top of the ISL leaderboard with 46 points, 14 wins, and 39 goals scored. In contrast, Kerala Blasters FC have endured a turbulent season, sitting in eighth place with just 29 points from 19 matches. They have won only seven games and conceded 30 goals — almost double Mohun Bagan SG’s tally.

The contrast in their journeys makes this match even more intriguing. While Mohun Bagan SG enter as clear favorites, Kerala Blasters FC have been formidable at home in recent times and this game could be tighter than the table suggests.

And the duel between Maclaren and Jimenez will be crucial in deciding the fate of this encounter. Will Mohun Bagan SG tighten their grip on the ISL summit, or will Kerala Blasters FC pull off a season-defining upset? It’s all set for an electrifying showdown.