ISL 2024-25: Mumbai City FC Requires a Draw Against Bengaluru FC for Top Six Qualification
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Synopsis
Bengaluru FC is set to host Mumbai City FC in the ISL 2024-25 at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Currently seventh with 33 points, Mumbai needs a draw to surpass Odisha FC for a playoff position. However, they are winless in the last four matches. Bengaluru FC, fourth with 38 points, aims to maintain their playoff position.
Key Takeaways
- Bengaluru FC has a strong xG differential of +13.57.
- Mumbai City FC has struggled recently, remaining winless in four matches.
- Substitutes for Bengaluru FC have scored eight goals this season.
- Both teams are vying for crucial playoff positions.
- Coaches acknowledge the strength of their opponents.
Bengaluru, March 10 (NationPress) Bengaluru FC is set to welcome Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday. Currently positioned seventh with 33 points, the Islanders require only a draw to surpass the sixth-placed Odisha FC (33) and secure a playoff spot. However, the Islanders have struggled recently, remaining winless in their last four matches, with two draws and two losses. The Blues, meanwhile, are fourth in the standings with 38 points accrued from 23 games, having successfully reached the playoffs.
The Blues have faced challenges against the Islanders, losing three of their last four meetings and failing to score in three consecutive matches, which they aim to rectify before the playoffs commence.
This season, Bengaluru FC has achieved a total of 40 goals with an expected goals (xG) value of 26.43, resulting in the third highest xG differential in the league at +13.57. Key contributors include Sunil Chhetri with 12 goals and Edgar Mendez with 7.
Additionally, the substitutes for Bengaluru FC have made a notable impact, scoring eight goals this season, the highest they have ever recorded in a single ISL campaign. This depth allows them to maintain pressure throughout the match, potentially keeping the Islanders on alert until the final whistle.
The Islanders have faced challenges in recent matches, going scoreless in consecutive ISL games for only the second time under coach Petr Kratky. The last instance of three consecutive matches without scoring dates back to 2015. With a -3.39 xG differential, Mumbai City FC is among the few teams this season with a negative xG value.
Head coach of Bengaluru FC, Gerard Zaragoza, expressed that facing the Islanders will be a significant challenge. He stated, “Mumbai City FC will approach this match as if it were a final. Competing against teams like this is tough, but our aim is to secure a victory.”
Mumbai City FC coach Petr Kratky also recognized the capabilities of Bengaluru FC. “Bengaluru FC is a strong team. They possess quality, which is evident in their playoff position,” he remarked.
