Preview: East Bengal FC and Mumbai City FC aim to return to winning ways
After dropping points in their last game, both teams will be desperate to seal three crucial points.
East Bengal FC will host Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on January 6, Monday, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, at 7:30 pm IST.
A win here will mark only the second time East Bengal FC defeat Mumbai City FC in ISL history. Mumbai City FC, on the other hand, will aim to recover from a 0-3 loss against NorthEast United FC, a result that ended their four-game unbeaten streak.
East Bengal FC come into this game on the back of improved scoring form, having netted in each of their last six ISL games. A goal in this fixture will see them equal their longest goal-scoring streak in the competition. However, Mumbai City FC have been defensively resolute on the road, keeping clean sheets in their last two away games. A third successive away clean sheet will see the Islanders equal their all-time best streak in this regard.
Mumbai City FC, with their possession-based approach, have dominated passing sequences, averaging 8.2 sequences of 10+ passes per game and completing 3.4 passes per sequence, which is the highest in the league.
The Islanders have slipped to the seventh place in the standings, garnering 20 points from 13 matches. East Bengal FC, on the other hand, have played as many games and secured 14 points, positioned 11th in the table.
East Bengal FC’s defensive strength
* Clearance Maestro: Hijazi Maher has been a rock at the back, recording 31 clearances in December 2024, the most by any player in the competition in the month. His aerial prowess and composure will be key in containing Mumbai’s dynamic forwards.
* Compact Structure: East Bengal FC have excelled defensively, especially in the first half of games, where they have conceded only eight goals this season, showcasing their ability to tire opponents early on.
Mumbai City FC’s attacking prowess
* Defensive Milestone: If Mumbai City FC secure another away clean sheet, it will mark only the second time in their history that they have achieved three consecutive shutouts in away fixtures.
* Possession Play: The Islanders’ ability to control the ball with their centre-back duo, Mehtab Singh and Tiri, is unmatched. Together, they account for 23.8% of the team’s total touches, demonstrating their commitment to build the game from the back.
Head-to-Head
East Bengal FC and Mumbai City FC have faced each other eight times in the ISL. The Red and Gold Brigade have won just once, with the Islanders emerging victorious five times. Two encounters have produced draws.
Coach’s Corner
“December gave us the desired results”
East Bengal FC head coach Oscar Bruzon expressed positivity about his side’s recent form.
“We had a good end to the year. December gave us the desired results. So obviously, our confidence is high (coming into this match,” he said.
Read More from the East Bengal FC pre-match press conference -> Here
“We have to be energised from the first minute”
Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky opened up on what he is looking forward for his team to do in the next match.
“We have to be energised from the first minute. The intensity needs to be there, and we have to learn from our mistakes for tomorrow’s game,” he said.
Read More from the Mumbai City FC pre-match press conference -> Here
Key Players & Milestones
* Nikolaos Karelis has been a game-changer for the Islanders with six goals this season, four of which have been opening strikes, which has pushed his team to set the tone for the games.
* East Bengal FC midfielder Jeakson Singh has netted twice this season. He has averaged 20 passes per game at 79% accuracy, winning 17 duels, making 34 recoveries, and notching eight interceptions to provide great value both defensively and offensively.
Anwar Ali (₹5.5cr)
The defender has bagged the most ISL fantasy points (60) for East Bengal FC this season
Mehtab Singh (₹5.6cr)
The centre-back has secured the highest ISL fantasy points (92) for Mumbai City FC in 2024-25
The Indian Super League will be streamed live on JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam) and telecast live on Sports 18 – 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam). Additionally, select ISL matches will be telecast live on Sports 18 – 1, Sports 18 – 2, Sports 18 – Khel, and Star Sports 3.
