ISL: Rivalry resumes between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC

The Indian Super League ISL is set to ignite once again as the 202425 season kicks off with a mouthwatering clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC The iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata will be the stage for this eagerly anticipated showdown with the teams vying not just for earlyseason bragging rights but potentially laying down a marker for the campaign aheadIn recent years this fixture has become synonymous with the peak of Indian footballing rivalry The last four seasons have seen Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC exchange blows for the top honors with each side claiming their share of silverwareAlso read Mohun Bagan pip Mumbai City to win maiden ISL League ShieldMumbai City FC dominated the 202021 season securing both the League Shield and the Cup leaving Mohun Bagan SG in their wake The 202223 season saw Mumbai City FC clinch the Shield once more only for the Mariners to upstage them in the ISL Playoffs Last season continued the trend of competitive duels with both sides capturing a trophy eachThe 202425 season opener promises another chapter in this thrilling rivalry Mumbai City FC have historically held the upper hand winning seven out of the ten encounters between the two teamsHowever Mohun Bagan SGs recent triumph in the Shield decider coupled with their victory in the 2023 Durand Cup suggests they are more than capable of challenging Mumbai City FCrsquos dominanceMumbai Cityrsquos Bipin Singh has been a persistent thorn in Mohun Bagan SGs side His impactful performances in previous finals and league encounters have made him a player to watch With four goals and two assists against the Kolkata giants Singhs presence will be keenly felt by the MarinersOn the flip side Mohun Bagan SGs Jason Cummings has a remarkable record against Mumbai City FC scoring in all three of his ISL appearances against them last season His knack for finding the back of the net will be crucial as the Mariners look to assert their strength early in the season Dimitri Petratos who played a pivotal role in last seasons Shield decider with two assists will also be one to watchAdding an extra layer of intrigue to this fixture are two former Mumbai City FC stars now donning the Mohun Bagan SG jersey ndash Apuia and Greg Stewart Their successful stints with the Islanders have left a void that the newlook Mumbai City FC will need to address The clash against their old team will be a significant test for them and a chance to showcase their worth in the Marinersrsquo setupThe match will also feature a host of Indiarsquos best footballing talent Mumbai City FC boasts players like Chhangte Vikram Partap Singh Mehtab Singh Brandon Fernandes and recently Phurba Lachenpa while Mohun Bagan SGrsquos lineup includes Sahal Abdul Samad Anirudh Thapa Liston Colaco Subhasish Bose Apuia and Vishal Kaith The presence of these national team regulars will ensure a highquality spectacle for Indian football fansWhile this fixture wonrsquot be for a trophy the stakes are high Points secured in this encounter could have significant implications for the League Shield race given the strength of both teams A win for either side could set the tone for their season and provide a crucial psychological advantage in what promises to be a fiercely contested campaignThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever