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FC Pune City host Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Pune on Wednesday. The Stallions come off the back of a comprehensive 3-0 win over defending champions ATK in their previous match and will be looking to top the table with a win against a robust defence. League debutants Jamshedpur FC are currently on a good run of form, having won consecutive fixtures in the last match week. With their attack finally coming good, they would want to avenge their loss in the reverse fixture.
HEAD TO HEAD
Jamshedpur FC 0 – 1 FC Pune City
KEY PLAYERS
Adil Khan (FC Pune City)
The Stallions’ midfield engine has been one of the most versatile players in the league this season. His attacking prowess has been as commendable as his defensive duties. The 29-year-old wins most of his aerial duels and is always a big threat while attacking set-pieces. Khan’s tally of four goals in nine matches is particularly impressive seeing that he mostly plays the holding role in Pune’s midfield; he will play a big role in Pune’s fixture.
Trindade Goncalves (Jamshedpur FC)
The Brazilian has been one of the most effective players in the middle of the park for Jamshedpur. He initiates numerous attacks in every match, and his pace keeps all the defenders on their toes. The 21-year-old has bagged three goals for his team including the winner in Jamshedpur’s last game against Delhi Dynamos FC, and while on the attack, he manages a few good shots on goal as well. Goncalves will look to inspire Jamshedpur to a victory against a dangerous Pune attack.
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, Andre Bikey
Midfielders: Mehtab Hossain, Memo, Wellington Priori, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Farukh Choudhary
Forward: Izu Azuka
Jamshedpur FC head coach Steve Coppell on the style of football his team adheres to: “We try to play attacking football as much as we can. We try to hurt teams and if that means not having the lion share of the ball and we counterattack quickly, so be it.”
FC Pune City
Ranko Popovic will probably field a 4-2-3-1 formation, too, with Emiliano Alfaro spearheading the Stallions’ attack.
Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith
Defenders: Sarthak Golui, Gurtej Singh, Rafael Lopez, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai
Midfielders: Diego Carlos, Adil Khan, Jonatan Lucca, Marcelinho, Ashique Kuruniyan
Forward: Emiliano Alfaro
FC Pune City head coach Ranko Popovic analysing his opponents: “Jamshedpur plays the same style every game. The only thing that has changed is that they score goals. Very compact, very disciplined team. It’s very difficult to play against them. We will try to take the lead against them.”
KEY STAT
Pune has scored the second-highest number of goals in the season so far, while Jamshedpur has conceded the least.
LAST ENCOUNTER
Jamshedpur FC 0 – 1 FC Pune City (10th December 2017 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur)
FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)
Jamshedpur FC: W W L D L
