Friday , March 29 2024

ISL-4: Jamshedpur FC host FC Pune City in an interesting encounter!

Indian Super League (ISL) debutants Jamshedpur FC play FC Pune City in their second home encounter of the ISL 2017-18 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Sunday. Jamshedpur picked up their first ever league victory in their previous match against Delhi Dynamos FC after Izu Azuka scored the winner. They will be confident about a first home win when they take on Pune City, while also eyeing their fifth clean sheet in a row. The Stallions on the other hand, were on the receiving end of a 0-1 scoreline in their last outing against Chennaiyin FC. A late corner had them undone in a match where they dominated proceedings for large phases. Visiting a ground where the pitch may make it difficult for them to play their fluid attacking football may also be a challenge.

KEY PLAYERS

Izu Azuka (Jamshedpur FC)

The Nigerian made the difference for his team in the last match as his perfectly-placed header demonstrated his sharpness in front of goal. Strong and pacey, he gives immense edge to the Jamshedpur attacking line. The striker will be looking to add to his tally against a Pune side that has failed to keep a clean sheet this season.

Marcelinho (FC Pune City)

The league’s Golden Boot winner last season has been prolific in the ongoing campaign as well. He had a rare bad outing against Chennaiyin FC where he failed to finish any of his numerous attacking moves. The Brazilian though will be hungrier than ever to add to his tally of two goals and three assists as the Stallions look to bounce back after their loss to Chennai last time around.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

Jamshedpur FC

Steve Coppell will implement a traditional 4-4-2 formation that allows Jamshedpur to attack, while keeping the opposition in check.

Goalkeeper: Subrata Paul

Defenders: Shouvik Ghosh, Andre Bikey, Tiri, Souvik Chakrabarti

Midfielders: Jerry Mawhmingthanga, Mehtab Hossain, Memo, Bikash Jairu

Forwards: Izu Azuka, Kervens Belfort

Jamshedpur head coach Coppell on their opponents and the encounter on Sunday: “I think Pune is a top side, and it is fair to say that. They have arguably the two best strikers in the league and they make a powerful combination. It will be a tough game, and we are fully aware of that. We just hope it is a good game for everyone to watch, and it is enjoyed by all.”

FC Pune City

Pune head coach Ranko Popovic is likely to use his preferred 3-4-3 formation and use the full width of the pitch.

Goalkeeper: Kamaljit Singh

Defenders: Gurtej Singh, Rafael Lopez, Adil Khan

Midfielders: Lalchhuanmawia Fanai, Marcos Tebar, Issac Vanmalsawma, Sarthak Golui

Forwards: Marcelinho, Emiliano Alfaro, Diego Carlos

Popovic on how the team plans to approach the clash: “I expect a really exciting match tomorrow, and I also expect us to play better. We are doing well, but we must work a bit on our concentration in key moments. If we do that, I think we have a good chance to get a good result.”

KEY STATS

– Jamshedpur’s Yumnam Raju is the only player to have made the switch from Pune to the league debutants

– Jamshedpur are the only team not to have conceded yet this campaign and have the joint maximum number of draws (3 – same as Kerala Blasters FC) so far

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