Bengaluru FC will host Mumbai City FC in the first knockout match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday.
Going into the match, Bengaluru will start as the stronger team on paper. Sunil Chhetri and Co. enjoyed a solid group stage campaign, finishing third with 38 points in 24 matches.
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Mumbai City, the defending ISL Cup champion, had a shaky group stage, with Petr Kratky’s men scrambling to finish sixth with 36 points and grab the last playoff spot ahead of Odisha FC.
The last time both these teams faced off, Mumbai City beat Bengaluru 2-0.
Head-to-head record
The head-to-head record between the two is as close as it gets, which shows how competitive the teams have been against each other over the years. If we look at the overall record, the Islanders enjoy the slightest of advantage.
Played: 19
Bengaluru FC wins: 8
Mumbai City FC wins: 9
Draws: 2
Team news
Bengaluru FC is expected to have a full-strength squad for its knockout clash against Mumbai City, which is a big advantage for head coach Gerard Zaragoza.
Mumbai City on the other hand, will miss a few of their crucial players through injury. Lallianzuala Chhangte, Brandon Fernandes and Tiri are three crucial player who will most likely not feature against the Blues.
Predicted XI
Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet Sandhu (GK); Mohamed Salah, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana, Roshan Singh; Alberto Noguera, Pedro Capo, Suresh Wangjam; Ryan Williams, Edgar Mendez, Sunil Chhetri
Mumbai City FC: TP Rehenesh (GK), Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Mehtab Singh, Tiri, Nathan Rodrigues, Yoell van Nieff, Jayesh Rane, Noufal P.N, Vikram Partap Singh, Bipin Singh, Jorge Ortiz
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com