Panaji: Mumbai City FC will host Kerala Blasters FC tonight at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League 2024-25, with kick-off at 7:30 pm. The Islanders are eager to bounce back after a recent draw against Odisha FC, as they look to avoid a second consecutive defeat to Kerala, a streak they haven't faced since the 2021-22 season.
Both teams are closely matched in the standings, making this game crucial in the competitive race for playoff spots.
Mumbai City FC has struggled to find their rhythm lately, particularly in front of goal. They have scored fewer than two goals in each of their last two home matches, a situation they haven't experienced since early 2023. The team will be keen to rediscover their attacking form and improve their goal-scoring ability.
Despite creating an impressive average of 2.6 big chances per game—second highest in the league—the Islanders have the lowest conversion rate at just 15.4%. This match will be a vital test of their finishing skills.
On the other hand, Kerala Blasters FC have shown a strong attacking presence but have been vulnerable defensively. They have not kept a clean sheet in their last 10 away games, a trend they need to address quickly. Mumbai’s home advantage and scoring potential will put pressure on their defense.
A key aspect of Kerala's offense is their tendency to shoot from close range, with 63.4% of their shots coming from inside the box. Player Noah Sadaoui leads the league in expected assists with a tally of 2.15, indicating that the Blasters will be looking for scoring opportunities against Mumbai.
Historically, Mumbai City FC holds the advantage over Kerala Blasters FC, with nine wins in 20 encounters, while Kerala has won five times. Six matches have ended in draws.
Mumbai City FC coach Mikael Stahre expressed the importance of learning from past mistakes following a tough defeat against Bengaluru FC. He noted that while the loss was disappointing, the team is regrouping and ready for the challenge ahead. "It’s important that we learn from our mistakes," he said.
Meanwhile, Petr Kratky, coach of Mumbai City FC, acknowledged that the team’s start to the season has been slower than expected. With only one win from their first five matches, he emphasized the need for improvement in all areas of play but remained optimistic about the team's progress.
"We are getting better with every match, and I am happy with the improvements," he stated.
