ISL preview: Odisha FC eye getting back to winning ways against Mohammedan Sporting

Struggling to find any rhythm thus far this season, Odisha FC are in the 11th spot on the Indian Super League (ISL) table. For hosts Kalinga Warriors there would not have been a better chance to log full points and come back to winning ways than taking on Mohammedan Sporting Club at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday.
With only a win from six games, the hosts will be more than eager to arrest the slide against a side who are yet to open their account in the league having suffered seven defeats in a row. The Kolkata giants are rock-bottom on the 14-team roster, which is currently led by Mumbai City FC (18 points), with Mohun Bagan Super Giants (17) closely following.
Odisha will also be aiming to bounce back from the 1-3 away loss suffered against FC Goa in the previous game, where they enjoyed good possession but failed to convert the chances created. Down with three goals, the stoppage-time strike by Suhair VP was nothing more than a consolation for TG Purushothaman’s boys.
Mohammedan, on the other hand, despite improving their attacking display, went down to Inter Kashi 1-0 in an away fixture last. With the previous two meetings between the sides failing to provide any winner, both will be looking to register their first win over their opponents and better their current situation to some extent.
However, the hosts will be anxious on the availability of Rahul KP in the attacking third as he had to be substituted with an injury in the away game against the Gaurs. With only one foreigner in the side in the form of centre-back Carlos Delgado, the Juggernauts will be hopeful of a better showing and result against a side who are hit with a transfer ban and without a foreign signing for the season.
Rahim Ali and out-of-form Isak Vanlalruatfela would have to take more responsibility in the forward line to deliver the goods for the hosts in the absence of Rahul KP.
Meanwhile, wing-back Zodingliana Ralte could be a doubtful starter for the Kolkata side as he left the Inter Kashi game with injury. MSC coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo will be taking confidence from the performance of Adison Singh and Lalthankima in the Inter Kashi game as the duo put on some good show in the final half an hour.
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