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Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 debutants Jamshedpur FC play host to Mumbai City FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Friday. The home side comes off the back of a disappointing 1 – 0 loss at the hands of Chennaiyin FC in their last fixture, where they also missed a crucial penalty. However, they currently have the best defence in the league, having conceded only twice, and would want to put on their scoring shoes when the Islanders come calling. The visitors, on the other hand, are on a good run of form having won both their previous fixtures, scoring six goals in the process. Against a compact Jamshedpur defence, their attack has to be sharper than ever before if they are to pick up maximum points.
KEY PLAYERS
Memo (Jamshedpur FC)
The Brazilian has brought immense stability to the Jamshedpur midfield. Playing an anchoring role, Memo has not only been successful in stopping attacks but also initiating them, especially from counters. A player who likes to go forward, the 29-year-old also manages to get a good few shots away. He will play a key role when his team comes across the Mumbai squad.
Balwant Singh (Mumbai City FC)
The 31-year-old is his team’s top scorer so far, having found the back of the net five times already, including thrice in his previous two outings. Quick and ever-alert, he is always on the prowl to take advantage of an opening in the defence. Balwant is also a clinical finisher, having scored a few belters this season, and he would once more want to be amongst the goals against a mean defence.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS
Jamshedpur FC
Steve Coppell may use a 4-2-3-1 formation that would add versatility both in attack and defence.
Goalkeeper: Subrata Paul
Defenders: Yumnam Raju, Tiri, Shouvik Ghosh, Souvik Chakrabarti
Midfielders: Mehtab Hossain, Memo, Trindade Goncalves, Jerry Mawhmingthanga, Sameehg Doutie
Forward: Izu Azuka
The host’s head coach on his team’s preparations: “I’m desperate for the team to score goals. That hasn’t happened so far even with the penalty but I’m confident that we will score goals and the sooner the better. It’s a big priority for us. You have to appreciate that defensively, which is an important part of the game, we are quite strong. We have to find the balance to be more potent going forward without losing the balance defensively.”
Mumbai City FC
Alexandre Guimaraes may opt for his own 4-2-3-1 formation to counter the home team.
Goalkeeper: Arindam Bhattacharja
Defenders: Raju Gaikwad, Lucian Goian, Gerson Vieira, Sanju Pradhan
Midfielders: Everton Santos, Achille Emana, Sahil Tavora, Abinash Ruidas, Thiago Santos
Forward: Balwant Singh
The visitor’s gaffer on his thoughts regarding the encounter: “It’s going to be a very tough game. They are very strong defensively and the whole team fights to recover the ball. So, we have to understand that we have to work hard in the game and try to get some gaps.”
KEY STAT
Both Jamshedpur and Mumbai have an average home-away record this season, with the former losing one home and one away match, while the latter having lost one home and two away matches
FORM GUIDE
Jamshedpur FC: L W L W D
Mumbai City FC: W W L W D
