The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to kick off its 2024-25 season with a clash of titans as ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant (SG) welcome Mumbai City FC, the ISL Cup holders, in a high-stakes encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), Kolkata today.
The match, scheduled for 7:30 pm IST on September 13, promises to be an explosive start to the new season, with both teams vying for supremacy after exchanging titles in previous seasons.
Mohun Bagan vs Mumbai City FC: Clash of Champions
Mohun Bagan SG enters the fixture with the momentum of winning the 2023 ISL title and looking to maintain their winning streak in ISL season openers. In the past, the Mariners have triumphed in their season debuts, with victories against Kerala Blasters in both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. However, their head-to-head record against Mumbai City FC paints a different picture. Of their 10 previous meetings, the Mariners have won only once—a crucial victory in last season’s title-deciding match.
Mumbai City FC, on the other hand, has dominated the rivalry, winning seven of their encounters against Mohun Bagan. However, the Kolkata giants will be buoyed by their recent successes, including knocking Mumbai City FC out of the 2023 Durand Cup and securing the ISL League Shield.
The Emerging Rivalry
In recent years, the fixtures between Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC have become the marquee matchups of the ISL. Between them, the two teams have claimed most of the league’s major silverware over the last four seasons. Mumbai City FC’s dominance began in 2020-21, when they completed a double by winning both the ISL League Shield and Cup, defeating Mohun Bagan in both competitions. Since then, the two sides have alternated trophy wins, with the Mariners lifting the ISL Playoffs title in 2022-23 and the Islanders claiming the League Shield in the same season.
As the 2024-25 season kicks off, this rivalry is expected to reach new heights, with both clubs aiming for top honors yet again.
Tactical Approaches: Coaches’ Perspectives
Under new head coach Jose Molina, Mohun Bagan SG aims to defend their championship. Molina, who previously coached ATK to an ISL title in 2016, returns to Kolkata with a wealth of experience and a clear goal: to lead the Mariners to glory. Speaking ahead of the season opener, Molina expressed his excitement about returning to Indian football and his ambition to continue the growth of the league. “It’s a big responsibility, but I hope to work hard and win the tournament. The level of the players and the league has improved since my time here, and I’m happy to help Indian football grow,” Molina remarked.
Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC’s head coach Petr Kratky is keen to build on his impressive track record, which includes a 68.42% win rate from the 19 ISL matches he has overseen. Kratky guided the Islanders to the ISL Cup last season and has his sights set on reclaiming the ISL Shield this year. “To win the ISL Shield is always a realistic dream. We have high standards for this season, and I want us to win every game,” Kratky stated during ISL Media Day.
Key Players to Watch
The match will showcase a host of top talent, with both teams featuring some of the league’s best players. For Mumbai City FC, Lallianzuala Chhangte, newly appointed captain, is one to watch. Chhangte topped the expected goals (xG) charts last season with a value of 10.93, scoring 10 goals, the highest by any Indian player. His ability to create and finish chances will be pivotal to Mumbai’s hopes of starting the season with a win.
Mohun Bagan SG will be banking on striker Jason Cummings, who was instrumental in their title run last season. Cummings scored 11 goals in ISL 2023-24 and will be eager to add to his tally against a revamped Mumbai City defense. Midfielder Dimitri Petratos, who provided key assists in Mohun Bagan’s Shield-deciding victory over Mumbai City FC last season, will also play a crucial role in orchestrating the Mariners’ attack.
Adding to the intrigue are former Mumbai City FC players Apuia and Greg Stewart, both of whom joined Mohun Bagan SG during the summer transfer window. Their presence in the Mariners’ midfield could tilt the balance in favor of the home team, while Mumbai City FC will need to find ways to cope with their absence.
Battle of India’s Best
This high-profile contest will not only be a battle between two top ISL clubs but also a showcase of some of India’s finest footballers. For Mumbai City FC, players like Vikram Partap Singh, Mehtab Singh, and goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa are regulars in the national team setup. On the other side, Mohun Bagan SG boasts a strong contingent of Indian stars, including Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, and Liston Colaco.
With so many national team players involved, this fixture will be a spectacle for Indian football fans, offering a glimpse into the country’s footballing future.
Mohun Bagan vs Mumbai City: Injury & Team News
Mohun Bagan SG
The Mariners are anxiously monitoring striker Jamie Maclaren’s recovery, as he has only recently returned to first-team training. His participation in this match remains uncertain. Additionally, goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh is also a fitness concern for the team.
Mumbai City FC
The Islanders are expected to be without left back Akash Mishra for this encounter after he suffered a serious injury that also ruled him out of the Intercontinental Cup. Other than that, the rest of the squad is fit and ready.
Mohun Bagan vs Mumbai City: Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches: 10
- Mohun Bagan Wins: 1
- Mumbai City Wins: 7
- Draws: 2
Mohun Bagan vs Mumbai City: Predicted Lineups
Mohun Bagan Predicted Lineup (3-5-2)
- Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith
- Defenders: Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose (C)
- Midfielders: Manvir Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco
- Forwards: Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummings
Mumbai City FC Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Phurba Lachenpa
- Defenders: Valpuia, Tiri, Mehtab Singh, Sanjeev Stalin
- Midfielders: Yoell van Nieff, Hitesh Sharma, Brandon Fernandes
- Forwards: Lallianzuala Chhangte, Bipin Singh, Nikolaos Karelis
Where and Where To Watch The Match
The 2024-25 ISL season opener between Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC will be held today at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on Friday, September 13. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM IST and will be broadcast live on Sports 18. For streaming, viewers can tune in to Jio Cinema, while international fans can catch the action on the OneFootball app.
A Virtual Final to Start the Season?
Although the teams will not be contesting a trophy at the end of the ninety minutes, the significance of the match cannot be overstated. Given the strength of both squads, the outcome of this fixture could have a lasting impact on the race for the ISL League Shield, making this season opener feel like a virtual final.
As the curtain rises on the ISL 2024-25 season, all eyes will be on the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where two of India’s most successful football clubs will renew their rivalry in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Read More:
- ISL 2024-25: Mumbai City FC Team Preview: Full Squad, Key Players, New Signings, Strengths and Weaknesses
- ISL 2024-25: Mohun Bagan SG Team Preview: Full Squad, Key Players, New Signings, Strengths and Weaknesses
When is Mohun Bagan SG vs Mumbai City FC?
The 2024-25 ISL season opener between Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC will be held today, 13th September at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, from 7:30 PM (IST) onwards.
