The Islanders tasted back-to-back defeats for the first time in the campaign four days ago after going down 2-0 to Jamshedpur FC in what Sergio Lobera termed as Mumbai City’s ‘worst performance of the season’. Second-half goals from substitutes Boris Singh and David Grande condemned the Islanders to a fourth loss of the campaign on a night when Sergio Lobera’s side never seemed to get into their rhythm.
Odisha FC have had a season to forget by their standards. The Bhubhaneshwar-based side has seen a change in management twice in the campaign, first, after head coach Stuart Baxter was let go by the club and more recently after interim coach Gerald Peyton had to leave the camp due to personal reasons. Coming off the back of a 3-1 defeat against FC Goa, Odisha will go into their final two games of the season under former Indian international and assistant coach Steven Dias, starting with the Islanders.
Sergio Lobera is confident that his side is motivated as the Islanders chase the top spot in the league and a win against Odisha will take them one step closer.
Team News
Hugo Boumous will continue to serve his extended suspension and will miss out on the action against Odisha FC.
Who Said What
Sergio Lobera: For now, the second game doesn’t exist for me. My focus is only on Odisha FC and it’s the most important game for us now. It would be a mistake to think about anything else.
Mandar Rao Dessai: You have seen how we’ve played in the past. That is what the coach has reminded us of and wants from us. Not only me, but all of us players also are disappointed in the recent results and we’re focused on correcting it.
Where To Watch It
The game will kick off at 7.30 pm IST and will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar and Jio TV for all viewers in India. For our global fans, you can find your local broadcaster here or follow all the action LIVE on our official Twitter account - @MumbaiCityFC.
League Watch
Results:
21 Feb: Bengaluru FC 1-2 FC Goa (Suresh 33’; Igor 20’, Redeem 23’)
22 Feb: Kerala Blasters 1-1 Chennaiyin FC (Hooper 29’P; Fathullo 10’)
23 Feb: Hyderabad FC 2-2 ATK Mohun Bagan (Aridane 8’, Alberg 75’; Manvir 57’, Pritam 90’)
Fixtures coming up:
23 Feb: SC East Bengal vs NorthEast United (Fatorda; 7.30pm)
24 Feb: Odisha FC vs Mumbai City (GMC Bambolim; 7.30pm)
25 Feb: Jamshedpur FC vs Bengaluru FC Goa (Tilak Maidan, 7.30pm)
