Synopsis
On January 21, Bengaluru FC will take on Odisha FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in ISL 2024-25. The match sees the Blues sitting third while the Juggernauts are seventh, each team aiming for vital points in a competitive league.Key Takeaways
- Bengaluru FC seeks to regain form at home.
- Odisha FC aims for their first league double over Bengaluru FC.
- Both teams have notable scoring and defensive concerns.
- Coaches emphasize the need for balance in attack and defense.
- Historical matchups show a competitive rivalry.
Bengaluru FC is set to face Odisha FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Wednesday, January 21. Currently, the Juggernauts are positioned seventh in the standings with 21 points accrued over 16 matches, while the Blues hold the third spot with 28 points from the same number of games under the guidance of coach Sergio Lobera.
In their recent five matches, Odisha FC has managed just one win and two draws, aiming to achieve their first league double over Bengaluru FC after their previous encounter ended in a 4-2 victory for them on December 1, 2024.
On the flip side, Bengaluru FC has encountered difficulties lately, suffering a 0-1 defeat at home to Mohammedan SC on January 11, followed by a 1-1 draw against Hyderabad FC away. A loss in this matchup would mark their first consecutive home losses in over two years.
The Blues are eager to rebound and maintain their pursuit for the top position, currently trailing the leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant by eight points (36). Their recent form includes two defeats, two draws, and a single win, allowing FC Goa to overtake them for second place with 30 points.
In their last three games, Bengaluru FC has netted three goals while conceding four, accumulating only one point. This indicates a pressing need for them to improve their organization and setup at both ends, especially against the league's joint top scorers, Odisha FC, who have scored 31 goals, with key players Diego Mauricio (7), Jerry Mawihmingthanga (4), and Mourtada Fall (4) leading the charge.
Odisha FC has consistently scored two goals in each of their last three ISL matches. If they replicate this performance, they will equal their longest streak of such games, which is four matches (achieved between December 2019 and January 2020). However, their defensive shortcomings have been highlighted as they conceded nine goals during this period, securing just one point.
A staggering 96.8% of Odisha FC's goals this season (30 out of 31) have originated from inside the box. Bengaluru FC may need to bolster their defensive unit within the 18-yard area to effectively counteract this and limit their opponent's scoring opportunities.
Despite their defensive issues, Bengaluru FC has been potent in attack, registering 29 goals against an expected goals (xG) tally of 17.15, resulting in an xG differential of +11.85—the highest in the league. Sunil Chhetri leads their scoring chart with 10 goals, while Ryan Williams and Edgar Mendez have contributed five and four goals, respectively.
Historically, these two teams have clashed 11 times in the ISL, with Bengaluru FC claiming victory in five matches and Odisha FC winning four, along with two draws.
Head coach Gerard Zaragoza of Bengaluru FC expressed optimism about his team's chances at home, stating, “We are now going to play at home with our supporters. We lost our last game here, but we haven’t lost too many games here. With our mentality, we want to take the three points.”
Meanwhile, Sergio Lobera, the head coach of Odisha FC, emphasized the need to strike a balance in their tactical approach: “Sometimes, we need to be more clinical in the last third. However, my concern right now is not scoring goals, but instead finding balance between attack and defence.”
