ISL: Mohun Bagan Super Giant face Odisha FC, eye historic landmark

Kolkata giants aim to become first team to successfully defend League Shield title as OFC fight for playoffs spot

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Mohun Bagan Super Giant are on the verge of a historical milestone. The Indian Super League (ISL) defending champions are just one step away from becoming the first team to successfully retain the title.

The Kolkata giants will host Odisha FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) on Sunday. Placed at the top of the standings with 49 points from 21 games, the Mariners now need just a single win to become the ISL League Winners and defend their title, becoming the first team to do so in ISL history.

Second-placed FC Goa have 39 points from 20 encounters, and can at maximum get to 51 if they win all of their remaining encounters. Three points from here will take Mohun Bagan Super Giant to 52, thus guaranteeing the championship for them.

Odisha FC are looking to break into the top-6, since they are positioned seventh presently with 29 points from 21 games. Sixth-placed Mumbai City FC have 32 points and hence qualifying for the playoffs is a realistic objective for the Juggernauts, who have never won an away game against the Mariners in four attempts.