When the fourth week of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) kicks off on Thursday 27th October at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha FC in form will host Bengaluru FC. The hosts defeated the Kerala Blasters last Sunday, while the visitors came into this match off the back of a close loss in Hyderabad.
Odisha FC are now playing their fourth match of the season and appear comfortable on the pitch. All the matches have been played under a 4-3-3 scheme, and coach Josep Gombau was satisfied with this. The stats also show that the Juggernauts have adapted effectively to Gombau’s possession-based style of play and are doing a good job of retaining the ball.
Odisha FC’s starting striker has not scored in either of the team’s last two games, but he can still keep his place in the starting eleven. After being substituted, Pedro Martín scored his first goal in the Hero ISL against Kerala Blasters. In each of the first three games, the Spaniard entered the game as a replacement shortly after the hour mark.
In two of their three games this year, the Juggernauts posted comeback wins. This season he has scored five goals, four of them in the second half. Three came in the last five minutes of the game.
ISL 2022-23: Until the last horn, I will encourage you to work and fight,” said Gombau
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The group showed a very resilient spirit. The two-game comeback demonstrated the tenacity and mental toughness of the players. Until the last horn, I will encourage them to work and fight,” said Gombau.
Although it would be preferable if we could come out on top and win, he said: “If we concede before we score, I think we have the ability to turn the game around, just like we did in two of our games.”
The current season for Bengaluru FC has been bittersweet. The Blues started the season with a win, then settled for one point and, in their final match, lost all three points to defending champions Hyderabad FC.
It was head coach Simon Grayson’s first loss to the team since joining the helm ahead of the Durand Cup. Grayson may not change the formation for the match against Odisha FC, but he will adjust the strategy.
Usually Sunil Chhetri performs in the front row, just behind Roy Krishna and Siva Narayanan. However, in the previous match, Javier Hernández replaced the Blues captain as Roy Krishna was unable to play due to injury. According to Grayson, Krishna is expected to return for this match.
The Blues have yet to focus on ball possession this season, unlike the Juggernauts. They haven’t had the ball in any games this season, and in their most recent game, they relied mostly on counter-attacks.
We must strengthen our holdings and increase our opportunities
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“I think things are fine, but being fine will not be enough in the long run. We were happy with the pre-season competitions and the practice sessions. However, Grayson noted that the ISL offers a different experience due to its stronger teams and loyal fan base.
We look strong defensively. Three teams have had relatively few chances. We must strengthen our holdings and increase our opportunities. There is a learning curve there.
I’m still learning a lot about the ISL, my players and various places. He continued: “I will continue to improve and hopefully we can find the proper balance on the field at our properties and increase our opportunities.
There is a learning curve there. I’m still learning a lot about the ISL, my players and various places. He continued: “I will continue to improve and I hope we can find the right balance on the pitch.”
In Hero ISL, Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC have met six times. The Juggernauts have only managed one victory, while the Blues have won four games. A total of 16 goals have been scored in these six games. Bengaluru FC scored ten points, compared to six for Odisha FC.
