Kolkata. Mohun Bagan Super Giants will be looking for their first win in the Indian Super League (ISL) 202425 when the Mariners host NorthEast United FC at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan on Monday at 7:30 PM.
This will be the Mariners' second home match this season as they drew with Mumbai City FC in their previous encounter. Meanwhile, NorthEast United defeated Mohammedan SC in their first match thanks to a last minute goal from Alaeddine Ajerei. The Highlanders will now take on the Mariners, whom they defeated in the final of the Durand Cup 2024 a few weeks ago. They will be looking to register their third consecutive win in Kolkata.
Mariners' goal scoring record:
The Mariners have scored in 15 of the 16 ISL matches played in 2024. They have scored in 11 consecutive matches and are now close to their record of 12 consecutive matches (between March 2021 and January 2022).
Defensive Discipline of the Highlanders:
NorthEast United have kept three clean sheets in the last four matches, including two consecutive ones. If they manage to restrict the Mariners from scoring in the upcoming match, they will complete a hattrick of clean sheets for the first time in the ISL.
The coach says
“We have to defend better”
Mohun Bagan Super Giants' Spanish head coach Jose Molina is concerned about his side's conceding goals. The Mariners were 20 up against Mumbai City at half time but conceded two goals in the second half to lose the lead and three points. He is determined to turn things around in the upcoming matches.
He said, “We have to play better and defend stronger to win. I am working with the players every day so that we do not concede goals. We have to focus, stay positive and we will play better in the next matches.”
“We will make things difficult for Mohun Bagan SG”
Northeast United's Spanish head Juan Pedro Benali predicts that Mohun Bagan Super Giants will emerge stronger after their draw against the Islanders. “Mohun Bagan's last few matches have not been good. They will be desperate to dominate us but we will make it as difficult as possible for them. The players are ready,” he said.
The players who will be in focus
Mohun Bagan fans will expect Australian striker Dimitris Petratos to create opportunities for his teammates in addition to scoring goals. He scored 10 goals and provided seven assists, along with creating 60 chances last season.
NorthEast United will rely on their pacey winger Jithin MS, who loves to take on the opposition fullbacks. The 26yearold created two chances against Mohammedan SC. He will be looking to score his first goal of the season against the Mariners.
NorthEast United FC midfielder Mohamed Bemmamar won the ball back 13 times against Mohammed SC, the jointmost in an ISL match in 2024.
Mohun Bagan SG winger Liston Colaco has scored eight goals against NorthEast United, the most in the ISL against the Highlanders.
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– / Written By Top News Bulletin
Image Credit: KhasKhabar.