Keyed up: Odisha’s Delgado in opposition to Mohun Bagan’s Sadiku shall be one of many key battles on this mouth-watering conflict. ISL MEDIA

Odisha FC performs host to one in all its staunchest on-field rival, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, because it eyes its maiden last entry, within the first leg of the ISL-10 semifinal in Bhubaneswar on April 23.

The two groups have remained inseparable within the earlier two conferences within the league stage (2-2 and 0-0) this season.

Mohun Bagan arrives in Odisha after being topped the brand new League Winners Shield champion, which it attained by upstaging Mumbai City FC 2-1.

Odisha, which scored an exhilarating 2-1 comeback win in opposition to Kerala Blasters within the knock-out match to qualify for semifinals, may also be excessive in confidence.

It shall be trying to benefit from the house benefit and attempt to pressure a win that might give it leverage forward of the second leg at Salt Lake Stadium on April 28. Having misplaced the Shield race with poor leads to the ultimate stage of the fixtures, Odisha shall be trying to redeem itself within the knockouts and declare its maiden ISL crown.

To try this, it can compete in opposition to probably the most dominant groups within the match this season, having scored essentially the most variety of objectives (47).

Odisha’s coach Sergio Lobera recalled his staff’s efficiency within the AFC Cup league stage the place it made a exceptional comeback to convincingly beat Mohun Bagan 5-2 on the latter’s dwelling — following a 0-4 loss within the reverse fixture — earlier than topping the group. There shall be no clear favourites as the 2 groups stay locked with a win and a draw every in all competitions.