ISL: Odisha FC Face Mohammedan SC With Faint Playoff Hopes in Mind

Bhubaneswar outfit desperate to redeem disappointing season with victory against struggling top flight newbies

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE BHUBANESWAR, 27 FEBRUARY

With hopes hanging on other results, Odisha FC will be desperate to keep alive their slender hopes of qualifying for the playoffs when they host Mohammedan SC for a crucial Indian Super League (ISL) tie at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

The home side have been defeated and drawn twice in their last five games, hampering their chances to make it to the top six. They are at the seventh spot presently with 29 points from 22 games on the back of seven victories and eight draws, behind the sixth-positioned Mumbai City FC (32) by three points, but the Islanders have played a game fewer (21).

The Juggernauts are also battling competition from East Bengal FC and Kerala Blasters FC, who have 27 and 24 points from 22 and 21 encounters respectively. Odisha FC also hope that at least one or both of Mumbai City FC and NorthEast United FC drop points for the Sergio Lobera-coached side to remain in contention for the further stages of the competition.