Keyed up: Odisha’s Delgado in opposition to Mohun Bagan’s Sadiku can be one of the important thing battles in this mouth-watering conflict. ISL MEDIA
Odisha FC performs host to 1 of its staunchest on-field rival, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, because it eyes its maiden closing entry, in the primary leg of the ISL-10 semifinal in Bhubaneswar on April 23.
The two groups have remained inseparable in the earlier two conferences in the league stage (2-2 and 0-0) this season.
Mohun Bagan arrives in Odisha after being topped the brand new League Winners Shield champion, which it attained by upstaging Mumbai City FC 2-1.
Odisha, which scored an exhilarating 2-1 comeback win in opposition to Kerala Blasters in the knock-out match to qualify for semifinals, can even be excessive in confidence.
It can be seeking to take advantage of of the house benefit and attempt to drive a win that might give it leverage forward of the second leg at Salt Lake Stadium on April 28. Having misplaced the Shield race with poor outcomes in the ultimate stage of the fixtures, Odisha can be seeking to redeem itself in the knockouts and declare its maiden ISL crown.
To do this, it is going to compete in opposition to one of probably the most dominant groups in the event this season, having scored probably the most quantity of targets (47).
Odisha’s coach Sergio Lobera recalled his crew’s efficiency in the AFC Cup league stage the place it made a outstanding comeback to convincingly beat Mohun Bagan 5-2 on the latter’s house — following a 0-4 loss in the reverse fixture — earlier than topping the group. There can be no clear favourites as the 2 groups stay locked with a win and a draw every in all competitions.
