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Jamshedpur FC hosts Kerala Blasters FC in Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Wednesday. The league debutant’s reputation of possessing the meanest defence in the league has taken a beating after leaking five goals in their previous three fixtures and picking up just a point in the process. Languishing in eighth spot and having experienced a negative goal difference for the first time this season, Jamshedpur will want to work on their defensive frailties and be more clinical in the final third as well. Their opponents Kerala Blasters FC, are enjoying a splendid run under the management of their former player David James as the two-time ISL finalists look to continue their unbeaten with the Englishman having picked up seven points from his three games in charge. The attack, which was a worry for the Blasters, now looks sharper than ever and they will want to pick up three points in what’s set to be another tough away fixture.
HEAD TO HEAD
Kerala Blasters FC 0 – 0 Jamshedpur FC (1 draw)
KEY PLAYERS
Jerry Mawhmingthanga (Jamshedpur FC)
The 20-year-old has been a potent force in attack for the league debutants. He has taken the flanks by storm with his pace and silky feet, and has a knack of making good runs to open up the opposition defence. A player who always keeps the defenders on their toes and is incisive while passing, Jerry has a couple of assists to his name this season. Against an in-form Kerala side, he will have to be on top of his game if Jamshedpur want a positive result.
Jackichand Singh (Kerala Blasters FC)
Kerala’s 25-year-old winger has been one of their biggest threat on the wings this campaign. Having played all of Kerala’s matches so far, Jackichand reads the game well and makes intelligent runs that outfox the opposition defence. A speedy customer, he also has a knack of delivering pin-point crosses into the box. With a goal and an assist to his name this season, Jackichand would look to make the Jamshedpur defence toil during his team’s visit.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
Jamshedpur FC
Steve Coppell may use a 4-2-3-1 formation that would provide versatility in the middle and on the flanks.
Goalkeeper: Subrata Paul
Defenders: Souvik Chakrabarti, Anas Edathodika, Tiri, Shouvik Ghosh,
Midfielders: Mehtab Hossain, Memo, Trindade Goncalves, Jerry Mawhmingthanga, Kervens Belfort
Forward: Izu Azuka
Jamshedpur gaffer Steve Coppell on their opponents: “Well, they (Kerala Blasters FC) have won two back-to-back games and drawn one prior to that against Pune. And in the three games David James has had a significant impact. The nature of the team is different. So, the preparation we might have made three weeks ago is different from the preparation we need to make for this team.”
Kerala Blasters FC
David James will probably use a regular 4-4-2 formation that is bringing him much success.
Goalkeeper: Subhasish Roy
Defenders: Lalruatthara, Wes Brown, Nemanja Lakic-Pesic, Sandesh Jhingan
Midfielders: Courage Pekuson, Keziron Kizito, Milan Singh, Jackichand Singh
Forwards: CK Vineeth, Iain Hume
Kerala head coach David James on how the side was reinvigorated: “I think the team needed some confidence. They have very good players and they showed what they can do in the last two and a half games. There is no magic to it. We got organized, we got behind the team to get it ready. It’s not just myself. I’m just the coach, there are other coaches as well, assistants, doctors; everyone was involved and are thankfully one hundred percent committed to giving the players on the field the best chance of winning games of football.”
KEY STATS
Kerala are the team with the most draws (5) this season, followed by Jamshedpur (4)
Both teams have a goal difference of -1
LAST ENCOUNTER
Kerala Blasters 0 – 0 Jamshedpur FC (24th November 2017 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi)
FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)
Jamshedpur FC: L D L W L
Kerala Blasters FC: W W D L D
