Mumbai City FC will look to return to winning ways when they take on visiting Kerala Blasters FC in their Indian Super League match here on Sunday.
The Islanders, determined to bounce back after a draw in the last match against Odisha FC, will aim to avoid a second straight defeat to Kerala Blasters FC -- a streak they haven't experienced since the 2021-22 season.
With Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blasters FC tied closely in standings, every point counts, especially in the highly competitive race for the playoffs.
Mumbai City FC have recently faced challenges in breaking down defences, netting fewer than two goals in each of their last two home matches. The Islanders haven't seen a goalless stretch of this sort since early 2023, and they'll be eager to rediscover their attacking form.
Although Mumbai City FC create an impressive 2.6 big chances per game (second highest in the ISL), their big chance conversion rate of just 15.4% is the lowest. The upcoming game will be a crucial test of their finishing skills.
Kerala Blasters FC have gone 10 straight away games without a clean sheet, a trend they will need to fix quickly. Their defence will be tested by Mumbai's home advantage and scoring potential.
With 63.4% of their shots coming from inside the box, Kerala Blasters FC's attack will seek openings in Mumbai's backline, led by Noah Sadaoui and his league-high expected assists tally of 2.15.
Kick-off: 7.30 pm IST.
Odisha FC, NorthEast United desperate to rise above mid-table
An exciting clash is set to take place in Guwahati between NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC, with both teams eager to climb out of the mid-table in the second match of Sunday’s double-header.
The Highlanders and the Juggernauts have eight points from six matches each, placed fifth and seventh on the table, respectively.
While NEUFC are coming off an enthralling 5-0 victory over Jamshedpur FC, OFC settled for a competitive 1-1 draw at home to MCFC.
The Highlanders have netted four of their opening goals within 15 minutes into their matches this season -- the highest such tally for any team in the ISL.
Meanwhile, the Juggernauts, along with Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC, are yet to concede in this period.
While Odisha would be desperate to snatch away success, having been winless in their previous seven such outings, their head coach, Sergio Lobera, too, does not have a sound record here, having not won a single game in Guwahati in his last four visits.
The two teams have contested against each other on 10 instances in the ISL, with the Juggernauts and the Highlanders prevailing in six and three fixtures, respectively, while only one clash ended in a draw.
Moreover, NEUFC's Alaaeddine Ajaraie will fancy his chances to become only the second ISL player to find the back of the net in seven straight ISL ties, after Kalu Uche for Delhi Dynamos FC between January and March 2018.
Kick-off: 5.00 pm IST.
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