Match Preview: Mumbai City FC Vs Mohun Bagan SG

A second home game in four days beckons for Mumbai City as the Islanders return to take on Mohun Bagan SG in a big-ticket clash at the Mumbai Football Arena. Petr Kratky’s side will take to the pitch at the Arena on Wednesday, December 20 against the side from Kolkata with action kicking off at 8:00 PM.

With a jam-packed December well underway for the Islanders, Mumbai City have already played four games in 15 days. With the first of the remaining three fixtures coming up against a stacked Mohun Bagan SG side, Mumbai City will have three resolute performances to take inspiration from. After a 4-0 win away in Bengaluru, Petr Kratky’s first two games in charge have seen twin 0-0 draws, first against table toppers FC Goa followed by a home outing against East Bengal. With three consecutive clean sheets, the Islanders will be looking to maintain their defensive solidarity and turn up the output at the front end of the pitch.

A summer spree for Mohun Bagan saw the Mariners bring in the likes of Jason Cummings, Anirudh Thapa, Armando Sadiku and Sahal Abdul Samad amidst other established names already at the Kolkata-based club. To back it up, Mohun Bagan started the ISL 2023-24 season strongly, winning their opening 5 games. A thrilling draw against Odisha followed before Juan Ferrando’s side returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory away to NorthEast United as they come into this highly-anticipated fixture.

On the eve of the big clash, Petr Kratky spoke to members of the media highlighting his side’s readiness before taking on Mohun Bagan. “They have a great history, and they are a big club. I’m digging in by asking my staff about the history of the club because I arrived here just 10 days ago,” said Kratky. “Because of their history, MB have inherited some good styles, and play a good brand of football. We have to respect that. With their history, they have a huge fanbase but we have ours, so we are looking forward to this game. We wait for such kinds of games because we have been training for it,” added the Islanders’ new boss.

Young Vikram Partap Singh, who has enjoyed a new role and added responsibility this season, echoed Kratky’s thoughts. “The team and the players have a different mentality when we play against Mohun Bagan Super Giant. These kinds of games make a huge difference in the league. Everyone knows the importance of this fixture and we will be ready,” asserted the 21-year-old attacker.

Keen on establishing high standards within the squad on and off the pitch, Kratky has rallied his players to showcase the same when they take the pitch against Mohun Bagan. “The approach will be the same as every game. As I told the team, to be honest against any team we play. Our approach has to be the same all the time. Right from the attitude, behaviors, and standards, just do our best from the first minute to the last minute. This Is us, so we will try to produce it in every game,” said the 42-year old tactician as he signed off from his pre-match press conference.