Mohun Bagan vs Mohammedan SC: The ‘Mini Kolkata Derby’ Showdown in ISL 2024-25 | Match Preview

 Mohun Bagan vs Mohammedan SC: The mini-Kolkata derby in ISL 2024-25! Can the Mariners turn their season around or will Mohammedan SC stun the mariners ?

The eagerly awaited ‘Mini Kolkata Derby’ of Mohun Bagan versus Mohammedan SC is finally here, and it is expected to take place at the Salt Lake Stadium, during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. Both teams are coming into this clash with different narratives, and Saturday's fixture (October 5) could be a pivotal moment for both clubs.

The Mohun Bagan football club which is one of the old-powerhouses of Indian football has overcome early season struggles, whereas, the youngest ISL- Mohammedan SC, aims to show that they are capable of competing with the best in the league.

Mohun Bagan Need for a Turnaround

Given that Mohun Bagan has only achieved one victory in their first three matches of the ISL, they are in desperate need of a firecracker In their last match. At present, they are too far off the pace sitting five points off the top and have been unable to produce the required level of performance both in creative and consistent terms in the final third. With their rich footballing legacy as the backbone, it would be right to say that their form at present is somewhat worrying.

Head coach Jose Molina knows all too well that his charges did not live up to expectations in their previous encounter against Bengaluru FC. The Mariners have had time to recuperate, and this derby is just the match that would allow them to get in shape. And a win in such a match may well lift them and define the course of the remitting season.

Nevertheless, for Molina perhaps the biggest issue will be shoring up their porous backline and generating some attacks for a change. The following team has one of the most dedicated fan bases in Indian football, Mohun Bagan, who will demand nothing short of a resounding performance in this vital fixture to support their team. Otherwise, a defeat or another disappointing display will likely put Molina under pressure and low the spirits within the club.

Mohammedan SC’s Bright Start

In contrast to that, Mohammedan SC has made a good impression so far in their first-ever ISL season. They recorded their first ever victory against Chennaiyin FC, displaying signs of energetic and organized performance. But this match against Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, poses a real challenge to their claim for a good performance as they take on a traditional powerhouse of the league.

Head coach Andrey Chernyshov of Mohammedan SC will want to inspire his charges to cause a major upset. Beating Mohun Bagan will be an uphill task deserve praise, given that all this will help to further the giant killing narrative for Mohammedan placers and might actually trigger a serious onslaught for the playoffs.

Chernyshov’s men will have to be at they best off the ball and be ruthless in converting the openings they get against a porous, reeling Mohun Bagan backline. If allowed to operate, the attacking trident of Alexis Gomez, Franca and others could do damage more than will be imagined. Winning this game will not only reinforce their reputation as a team that can contend in the ISL but also act as a great source of encouragement.

Injury & Team News

Mohun Bagan have a couple of injury issues to address before the impending derby match. Ashique Kuruniyan remains uncertain and doubts persist regarding Sahal Abdul Samad's fitness given his exclusion from India’s international squad. On the other hand, there is hope that Alberto Rodriguez will expected to be fit and return to strengthen the Mariners’ defense.

The news is, quite on the other hand, very optimistic for Mohammedan SC. Their entire squad seems to be in fit enough condition to be picked meaning they will have the chance to deploy their best eleven for this important encounter.

Head-to-Head Record

This marks the first time Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan SC will face each other in the ISL, adding a new chapter to their historic rivalry.

Predicted Lineups

Mohun Bagan (4-2-3-1):
Vishal Kaith (GK); Asish Rai, Dippendu Biswas, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose; Lalengmawia Ralte, Anirudh Thapa; Manvir Singh, Greg Stewart, Dimitri Petratos; Jason Cummings

Mohammedan Sporting (4-2-3-1):
Padam Chhetri (GK); Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak, Gaurav Bora, Joseph Adjei, Zodingliana Ralte; Miraslov Kasimov, Amarjit Singh Kiyam; Lalremsanga Fanai, Alexis Gomez, Makhan Chothe; Franca

This match has the potential to be a turning point in the season for Mohun Bagan. They will gain confidence if they manage to win the derby and that can be a starting point for a good run of form. On the other hand, a draw or a loss can invite more questions about Molina’s tactics and their title ambitions.

This match is more or less proving their point for Mohammedan SC – one of convincing the league that they belong on this stage. If they manage to pull a win, they will position themselves as genuine threats and even intimidate the rest of the league. A defeat would not be the end of the world, but it would test the character of a side that is still finding its rhythm in the first division.

Prediction:

Since it is a match which both sides have many things to lose, it is bound to be an interesting one. Mohun Bagan will definitely be in search of the three points to kickstart their season, while Mohammedan SC will enjoy the role of a vast underdog and may surprise and defy the odds. The winner shall ultimately depend on who has the better finishing and which team holds its shape best.

With the Salt Lake Stadium set to witness a football Carnival, this INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE clash is certainly one to look out for. This is a derby, which promises excitement, drama, and high stakes of emotions, every ingredient required to change the narrative of both teams’ seasons for good.

Telecast Details

The Mohun Bagan vs Mohammedan Sporting clash will take place at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Saturday (5 October). It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.

The match will be shown live on Sports 18 and be streamed online on Jio Cinema. International viewers can also watch the game on the OneFootball app.