The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 continues to heat up as Odisha FC prepares to clash against East Bengal FC on October 22, Tuesday, at 7:30 pm IST at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
Both teams have had contrasting starts to their campaign, and this fixture presents an opportunity for one to build momentum and for the other to break a troubling run of form.
Odisha FC vs East Bengal: Match Preview
With Odisha FC aiming to extend their unbeaten streak and East Bengal FC desperately searching for their first win, this promises to be an exciting contest.
Odisha FC will look to capitalize on their unbeaten record against East Bengal FC. The Juggernauts have been undefeated in their last seven encounters with the Kolkata-based side, a run that has seen them score an impressive 23 goals. Playing on their home turf adds another layer of advantage, as the team has consistently performed well in Bhubaneswar, netting at least two goals in each of their last seven home games.
Despite sitting 10th on the ISL table with just four points from four matches, Sergio Lobera’s side has shown signs of improvement. They boast a formidable 88.1% tackle success rate, which reflects their ability to break up opposition attacks and regain possession swiftly. This solid defensive foundation will make life difficult for East Bengal FC, who will need to move the ball quickly to avoid being caught out by Odisha’s counter-attacks.
Coach Lobera stressed the importance of squad depth in his pre-match press conference, underlining how substitutes can be game-changers in crucial moments. “We need to manage the squad well. Having good options from the bench can change the game,” he emphasized. Lobera’s tactical versatility could play a pivotal role, especially with the bench players expected to make an impact in a closely contested match.
East Bengal FC, on the other hand, find themselves in desperate need of a victory. Their season has been plagued by poor form, having lost six consecutive games – five this season and one at the tail end of the previous campaign. Head coach Oscar Bruzon, in only his second match in charge, will be eager to lead his team to their first win of the season, and nothing less than three points will do for the Red and Gold Brigade.
Offensively, East Bengal FC has a few bright spots. Strikers Dimitrios Diamantakos and Cleiton Silva will be looking to exploit Odisha FC’s defence, particularly from set-pieces. With attacking midfielder Madih Talal winning 3.2 fouls per game, East Bengal can create scoring opportunities from dead-ball situations, an area where Odisha will need to be extra vigilant.
Bruzon was candid about his team’s struggles and highlighted the need for improved transitions and a tighter defensive setup. “We need to be more intense, win duels, and have fewer spaces between our lines,” Bruzon said, outlining the tactical adjustments he wants to implement. If the team can execute these strategies, East Bengal FC might finally set their campaign back on track.
Odisha FC vs East Bengal: Head-to-head
The two teams have faced each other eight times in the ISL, with Odisha FC claiming victory in six matches, while East Bengal FC has won only once. One encounter ended in a draw, with the Juggernauts netting 24 goals compared to the Red & Gold Brigade’s 17.
- Total Matches – 10
- Odisha FC – 6
- East Bengal FC – 2
- Draws – 2
Key Players to Watch
Dimitrios Diamantakos – East Bengal FC
Dimitrios Diamantakos has not lived up to expectations for East Bengal so far, having failed to score in his last four ISL appearances.
However, the Greek striker could be due for a turnaround, as he netted in both of his games against Odisha FC last season. A goal in this fixture could reignite his season and provide the spark that East Bengal so desperately needs.
Prabhsukhan Gill – East Bengal FC
East Bengal FC’s goalkeeper, Prabhsukhan Gill, has struggled to find his form throughout the season. Despite his best efforts, he has been outmatched by opponents who have broken through their defensive line to score.
If East Bengal hopes to climb the points table, they will need Gill to be at his best and help reduce the number of goals conceded. His performance will be crucial for his team’s success in the upcoming matches.
Diego Mauricio – Odisha FC
Diego Mauricio has been a constant threat against East Bengal FC. The Brazilian forward has racked up four goals and four assists in previous encounters with the Red and Gold Brigade.
His pace, movement in the box, and clinical finishing make him a key figure in Odisha FC’s attack, and the East Bengal defence will need to be on high alert to keep him quiet.
Hugo Boumous – Odisha FC
Hugo Boumous, a former ISL Golden Ball winner, remains a vital cog for Odisha FC. Known for his versatility, Boumous has contributed goals against 14 different teams in the competition.
The Moroccan holds a record that he shares with Indian football legends such as Sunil Chhetri, Bartholomew Ogbeche, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Bipin Singh. His ability to create chances will be crucial in breaking down the East Bengal defence.
Odisha FC vs East Bengal: Team News
Odisha FC
Odisha FC has no injury concerns at the moment. The return of Carlos Delgado and Saviour Gama to training is a significant boost for the team, as they hope the defenders will be available to contribute in the upcoming match.
Odisha FC: Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper – Amrinder Singh
- Defenders – Saviour Gama, Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Narender Gahlot
- Midfielders – Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh, Isak Vanlalruatfela
- Forwards – Rahim Ali, Roy Krishna
East Bengal
Naorem Mahesh Singh’s availability is uncertain, while Mark Zothanpuia, who sustained an injury during the derby, will be sidelined for this match.
East Bengal: Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – Debjit Majumder
- Defenders – Mohammad Rakip, Anwar Ali, Hector Yuste, Provat Lakra
- Midfielders – Jeakson Singh, Saul Crespo, Souvik Chakrabarti
- Forwards – Madih Talal, Nandhakumar Sekar, Dimitrios Diamantakos
Odisha FC vs East Bengal: Match Prediction
Considering Odisha FC’s dominance in recent head-to-heads and their strong form at home, they will likely have the upper hand in this contest. East Bengal FC, despite showing signs of life under Oscar Bruzon, still have significant improvements to make, particularly in front of goal. Odisha’s solid defensive structure combined with their attacking firepower might prove too much for the struggling Kolkata side.
Prediction: Odisha FC 2-1 East Bengal FC
When and Where to Watch the Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The 2024-25 Indian Super League clash between Odisha FC and East Bengal FC is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, at the Kalinga Stadium, with a 7:30 PM IST kickoff.
The match will be broadcast live on Sports 18 and can be streamed on Jio Cinema. International viewers can catch the action on the OneFootball app.
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When is the Odisha FC vs East Bengal FC match?
The Odisha FC vs East Bengal FC clash is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhuvaneshwar. The match will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.
