Odisha FC will play Mohammedan SC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on February.
The home side has been defeated and drawn twice in its last five games, hampering its chances to make it to the top-six. It is currently at the seventh spot presently with 29 points from 22 games on the back of seven victories and eight draws, behind the sixth-positioned Mumbai City FC (32) by three points, but the Islanders have played a game fewer (21).
The Juggernauts are also battling competition from East Bengal FC and Kerala Blasters FC, who have 27 and 24 points from 22 and 21 encounters respectively.
Odisha FC also hopes that Mumbai City FC and/or NorthEast United FC drop points going forward for the Sergio Lobera-coached side to remain in contention for the further stages of the competition.
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OFC’s Spanish head coach said that his team wants to keep battling until the end for a spot in the top-six.
“As a team, we want to believe until the end, keep fighting, and hopefully we could qualify for the playoffs. We also want to make our fans happy and put a smile on their faces,” Lobera said.
Mohammedan SC, on the other hand, has faced losses in all of their last five games and is at the bottom with 11 points from 21 games. It will try to make Odisha FC the third side that it possibly beat this season after Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC, but its recent form makes it a slightly tough task. It can, however, draw confidence from the fact that both of its wins this season have come on the road.
MSC’s Indian assistant coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo expressed that his side will try to put its best foot forward in this coming match.
“We have been doing good preparation for the last few days to play against Odisha FC. Our performance off late hasn’t been great, but we always try to give our best for the club. It’s a game we want to win,” he said.
The only ISL fixture between these teams produced a draw earlier this season.
