Odisha FC vs East Bengal: Odisha FC will host East Bengal at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar as part of the Super League India. Both teams will be looking to bounce back from recent struggles, with Odisha aiming to extend their solid record against East Bengal.

Odisha FC vs East Bengal Head-to-Head Record

• Odisha FC Wins: 6
• East Bengal Wins: 2
• Draws: 2

Odisha FC has had the upper hand in recent years, winning six of their last ten encounters. Notably, East Bengal has failed to secure a win at Odisha’s home ground in their previous four meetings.

Form Guide

Odisha FC Recent Form: L, L, W, D
East Bengal Recent Form: L, L, L, L, L

Both teams are coming off disappointing runs. While Odisha managed to end their losing streak with a recent win, East Bengal finds itself in deep trouble, having lost five consecutive matches.

Last Five Meetings

• 29 Feb 2024 (Super League): Odisha 2 – 1 East Bengal
• 28 Jan 2024 (Super Cup): East Bengal 3 – 2 Odisha
• 22 Dec 2023 (Super League): East Bengal 0 – 0 Odisha
• 09 Apr 2023 (Super Cup): Odisha 1 – 1 East Bengal
• 07 Jan 2023 (Super League): Odisha 3 – 1 East Bengal

Odisha FC has dominated these head-to-head fixtures, winning two of the last five games. However, East Bengal did manage a close win in the Super Cup earlier this year.

Possible Lineups

Odisha FC

• Goalkeeper: Amrinder Singh
• Defenders: Amey Ranawade, Thoiba Moirangthem, Mourtada Fall, Jerry Lalrinzuala
• Midfielders: Ahmed Jahouh, Khawlhring Lalthathanga, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Hugo Boumous, Isak Vanlalruatfela
• Forward: Diego Mauricio

East Bengal

• Goalkeeper: Prabhsukhan Singh Gill
• Defenders: Provat Lakra, Anwar Ali, Hector Yuste, Mohammad Rakip
• Midfielders: Saul Crespo, Souvik Chakrabarti, Madih Talal, Cleiton Silva, Nandha Kumar Sekar
• Forward: David Lalhlansanga

Key Players to Watch

• Odisha FC:
  • Diego Mauricio: The star striker will be crucial in leading Odisha’s attack.
  • Hugo Boumous: A creative midfielder capable of dictating play and creating chances.
• East Bengal:
  • Cleiton Silva: A seasoned forward with an eye for goal.
  • Saul Crespo: A key figure in the midfield, tasked with controlling the pace.

Important Facts

• East Bengal has conceded in each of their last 15 matches.
• Odisha FC has not lost to East Bengal at home in their last four encounters.
• East Bengal has lost their last five away matches.
• The goal difference across their last ten meetings stands at 27-20 in favor of Odisha FC.

5 Betting Tips for Odisha FC vs East Bengal

1. Over 2.5 Goals: Given both teams’ tendency to concede goals, this could be a high-scoring affair.
2. BTTS (Both Teams to Score): East Bengal’s leaky defense suggests that Odisha will score, but the visitors have shown resilience in scoring, even in defeat.
3. First Half – Over 1.5 Goals: Both teams might aim for an early advantage, making the first half eventful.
4. Odisha FC to Win: Odisha’s superior head-to-head record and home advantage make them favorites.
5. Cleiton Silva to Score Anytime: Despite East Bengal’s struggles, Silva remains their best chance at finding the net.

SWOT Analysis: Odisha FC vs East Bengal

Odisha FC

Strengths:

• Home Advantage: Odisha has not lost to East Bengal in their last four home encounters, showing resilience on familiar turf.
• Winning Record in H2H Matches: Odisha has won six of the last ten meetings against East Bengal, giving them psychological confidence.
• Balanced Squad: With key players like Diego Mauricio and Hugo Boumous, Odisha combines creativity in midfield with an effective goal-scoring threat.
• Recent Win: A victory in their last Super League match boosts the team’s morale and momentum.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent Form: Their recent form shows some inconsistency, with two losses, a win, and a draw. This could impact confidence.
• Defensive Vulnerabilities: Conceding goals at crucial moments, particularly against top-tier teams, has been an issue.
• Reliance on Star Performers: Players like Mauricio and Boumous are heavily relied upon, leaving the team vulnerable if they underperform.

Opportunities:

• East Bengal’s Struggles: With East Bengal on a five-game losing streak, this presents a great chance for Odisha to secure a win.
• Building Momentum for the Season: A victory here would give them vital points and build momentum toward the second half of the season.

Threats:

• Overconfidence: Odisha’s superior head-to-head record could lead to complacency, giving East Bengal an opportunity to capitalize.
• Injury Concerns: Any injuries to key players like Amrinder Singh or Hugo Boumous could disrupt their rhythm.

East Bengal FC

Strengths:

• Quality Defenders: Players like Anwar Ali and Hector Yuste provide solidity at the back, making them a tough side to break down despite recent losses.
• Talented Midfielders: With the likes of Cleiton Silva and Saul Crespo, East Bengal possesses creativity that can unlock defenses on their day.
• Motivation to End Losing Streak: The desperate need to break their losing streak could inspire a spirited performance.

Weaknesses:

• Poor Recent Form: East Bengal is on a five-game losing streak, which has affected team morale and confidence.
• Struggles in Away Matches: They have lost five consecutive away matches, reflecting difficulty in adapting to hostile environments.
• Goal-Scoring Issues: The team has failed to score in two of their three away matches this season, exposing attacking weaknesses.

Opportunities:

• Surprising Odisha on the Break: East Bengal can exploit Odisha’s occasional defensive lapses, especially through quick counterattacks.
• Chance to Reset: An unexpected win could help turn their season around and boost morale ahead of future fixtures.

Threats:

• Odisha’s Dominance: Odisha’s strong record against East Bengal poses a psychological barrier.
• Vulnerable Defense: Having conceded in 15 consecutive matches, their defense is prone to lapses, which Odisha’s attackers can exploit.

Odisha FC vs East Bengal Prediction

Odisha FC is likely to capitalize on East Bengal’s poor form and shaky defense. With the home crowd behind them and a more stable lineup, Odisha FC is expected to secure a comfortable win.

Prediction: Odisha FC 3 – 1 East Bengal

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