Bhubaneswar: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 continues to deliver intense clashes as Odisha FC prepares to take on East Bengal FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on February 29, Thursday, at 7:30 PM IST. The matchup promises to be a battle of strategic prowess and skill, with both teams eyeing the coveted top spot in the standings.
Odisha FC, under the guidance of coach Sergio Lobera, is determined to overcome the challenges posed by a resurgent East Bengal FC. The Juggernauts faced a draw in their recent encounter against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, making this clash crucial to maintain their standing.
On the other side, the Red & Gold Brigade, coached by Carles Cuadrat, faced a dip in form after securing the Kalinga Super Cup title last month. However, a recent 1-0 win against Chennaiyin FC has injected confidence into the squad, and they aim to turn the tide with a positive performance.
As the teams gear up for this high-stakes fixture, here’s a breakdown of their current standings and what’s at stake:
Odisha FC:
Odisha FC leads the table with 32 points, just one point ahead of second-placed Mumbai City FC (31). The Juggernauts have played one additional game (16) compared to Mumbai City FC (15).
Historically, Odisha FC has been dominant against East Bengal FC, remaining unbeaten in their last five encounters.
East Bengal FC:
East Bengal FC, with 18 points, is two points behind sixth-placed Jamshedpur FC (20).
The Red & Gold Brigade has a game in hand (16) compared to Jamshedpur FC (17).
Coach Carles Cuadrat aims to lead his team to consecutive victories, a feat yet to be achieved in four seasons of the ISL.
Key Players to Watch Out:
Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC):
Brazilian striker Diego Mauricio, with six goals and an assist, has played a crucial role alongside Roy Krishna. His performance against East Bengal FC has been exceptional, contributing four assists and seven goal contributions in previous fixtures.
Nandhakumar Sekar (East Bengal FC):
Standout star Nandhakumar Sekar has been instrumental for East Bengal FC with five goals and three assists in this season. With a career-high performance in ISL 2023-24, Sekar’s form will be crucial for the team’s success.
As the clash unfolds, football enthusiasts anticipate a closely contested match, with both teams eager to secure three crucial points. The battle at Kalinga Stadium promises to be a spectacle, defining the trajectory of both teams in the ISL 2023-24 season.