ISL 2023-24: Odisha FC Look Serious Title Contender After Fine Show In First Half Of Season

Add as a preferred source on Google

As the 2nd half of the ISL 2023-24 season is about to restart, Odisha FC are sitting in 3rd position in the table. They have been in good form so far, but still have room for improvement if they want to clinch the title.

They have already played 12 games, so they have 10 games left to achieve their target. This will be especially tough considering 3 teams from the top 5 have played less number of games than them.

ISL 2023-24: Odisha FC Season so far

Odisha FC accumulated 24 points from 12 matches in the first half of the ISL 2023-24 season. FC Goa are in the 2nd position with the same points having played two fewer games. Kerala Blasters are at the top with the same number of games and 26 points.

Hence, Odisha have their work cut out for them, especially against the top 5 teams. Their attacking style of play has produced the most number of goals amongst all teams so far and that should help.

Key players

Odisha’s biggest strength this season has been their attacking style of play. They have already scored 22 goals in 12 games. The firepower in their final third have come from their two prolific strikers - Diego Mauricio and Roy Krishna.

Other than the strikers, centre-back Mourtafa Fall is another important piece in their cog who has been extremely effective during set-pieces. Midfielder Ahmed Jahouh has not only assisted in creating attacking chances, but also in defense.

What's to expect

Odisha FC need to watch out in away games as out of the three draws and two defeats, Odisha drew two and lost both matches on the road. They especially need to win against the top 5 teams in the Indian Super League teams.

They start the 2nd half of this season against Kerala Blasters on February 2. They then go on to play against FC Goa on February 9, against Mohun Bagan on February 24, and Mumbai City FC on April 8.