Odisha FC (OFC) will host Mumbai City FC (MCFC) in the second game of Matchweek 2 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, September 28. The OFC vs MCFC ISL 2023-24 match will start at 8:00 PM IST.
Under new head coach Sergio Lobera, Odisha FC started their ISL 2023-24 campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Chennaiyin FC.
Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Diego Maurício scored a goal each for the Kalinga Warriors.
On the other hand, ISL 2020-21 champions Mumbai City FC head into the clash after beating NorthEast United FC 2-1 in their season opener.
Jorge Pereyra Diaz netted a brace to help the Islanders secure a hard-fought victory and bag three points from the game.
Odisha FC vs Mumbai City FC head-to-head
Mumbai City FC have a superior head-to-head record against Odisha FC in ISL history. MCFC have won 10 of the 18 matches that they have played so far. OFC have registered five victories, while three matches have ended in draws.
The last time these two sides met, Mumbai FC registered a 4-2 win over Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium in the ISL last season in January.
OFC vs MCFC Dream11 prediction for ISL 2023-24
Led by former Mumbai City FC head coach Sergio Lobera, Odisha FC have also roped in several of the Islanders’ ex-footballers including the likes of Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall and Amey Ranawade. Lobera will aim to secure a morale-boosting win over his former side.
Meanwhile, last season’s League Shield winners Mumbai City FC are one of the favourites to clinch the title this season.
They boast a star-studded squad with Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Greg Stewart, Abdenasser El Khayati, Rostyn Griffiths, Tiri, Bipin Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte in their ranks.
Going by the past head-to-head record, MCFC will start as favourites against OFC on Thursday.
OFC vs MCFC Dream11 team tips for ISL 2023-24
Top tip: Best forward
Mumbai City FC star forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz netted two goals to help his side bag full points from their opening game against NorthEast United FC. The 33-year-old Argentine footballer has been a prolific goalscorer for MCFC since joining the club from Kerala Blasters FC in 2022. He has already scored 13 goals in 21 matches for the Islanders so far. At 8.5 credits, Jorge Pereyra Diaz will be a great fantasy pick as he will look to continue his good form against OFC.
Top tip: Best midfielder
Odisha FC’s Jerry Mawihmingthanga will be a player to watch out for in the midfield. The Mizoram-born footballer opened the scoring in their 2-0 win over Chennaiyin on Saturday. He has already created 101 chances in 103 ISL matches. Jerry is expected to play a pivotal role against a star-studded MCFC team and will be a smart fantasy pick at 8.5 credits.
Top tip: Best defender and goalkeeper
Among the defenders, Odisha FC’s Amey Ranawade will be the player to watch out for. On loan from Mumbai City FC, Amey Ranawade was one of the standout players for Odisha FC in their win over Chennaiyin FC. He was a constant threat on the right and provided quality crosses from the wing. At just 7.5 credits, Ranawade will be a quality fantasy recommendation for this game.
For the goalkeeper spot, OFC’s Amrinder Singh will be the overwhelming choice over Mohammad Nawaz of MCFC. Amrinder has recorded 38 clean sheets and made 397 saves in 139 ISL matches. He will be crucial for OFC if they are to claim maximum points from this enthralling encounter.
OFC vs MCFC playing XI (probable)
Odisha FC: Amrinder Singh (goalkeeper), Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Carlos Delgado, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Puitea, Ahmed Jahouh, Lenny Rodrigues, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Diego Mauricio
Mumbai City FC: Mohammad Nawaz (goalkeeper), Rahul Bheke, Rostyn Griffiths, Mehtab Singh, Akash Mishra, Apuia, Yoell van Nieff, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Greg Stewart, Bipin Singh, Jorge Pereyra Diaz
Photo credit: Alamy