Sunday is surely a funday but in the Hero ISL it’s Super Sunday that brings us the double header. The first game of the two will see Jamshedpur host Northeast United at the Tilak Maidan.
Blast from the past :
It was Aniket Jadhav whose goal separated both sides as the miners enjoyed all 3 points.
Jamshedpur FC:
The Redminers sit at 7th place, just one place above Northeast United. Owen Coyle’s side were completely outplayed by Juan Ferrando’s FC Goa in a 3-0 defeat at the Fatorda in their last outing and the Scottish manager will seek improvements against the Highlanders. A morale booster for the men of steel is that they have never lost to Northeast United in 7 meetings and have defeated them twice including their last win back in December. A concern for Owen Coyle is that his team is over dependent on the defending Golden boot winner Nerijus Valskis as he has scored 8 out of JFC’s 12 goals.
They just have 2 more goal scorers apart from the Lithuanian namely Aniket Jadhav (1) and Steven Eze (3). Jamshedpur’s backline that consists of Peter Hartley and Nigerian international Steven eze have lost their coordination and have looked shaky as they have leaked 6 goals in their last two matches. Just like Northeast, Jamshedpur too seek a turnaround in their fortunes as the race for top 4 heats up.
“I thought they played well in their last match. NorthEast are dangerous opponents and every opponent you face presents different challenges. NorthEast may not be as fluent in passing the ball as Mumbai City or FC Goa but they have so many other qualities and that’s what we have to be ready for. We have to be very respectful as we always are and look to impose our game and get our players on the ball,” Coyle said ahead of the game.
Northeast United FC:
Northeast United start a new chapter under Coach Alison Kharsyntiew and Khalid Jamil after parting ways with Spanish tactician Gerard Nus earlier this week. Although Jamshedpur FC are on a 2 match losing streak, the Highlanders cannot take them for granted. Northeast United shared spoils with the Blues earlier this week despite creating more chances. But, a positive takeaway for them will surely be the overall team performance as the players displayed some absolute monsterclass of the abilities they possess.
The Highlanders are now winless in their last 7 games and are on downward slide. Jamshedpur are the only side Northeast United have never managed to defeat and Coach Alison and his army will be highly motivated to change that tally. Deshorn Brown has been brought in to fill up the boots of Kwesi Appiah who is ruled out for the rest of the season and he will surely hit the ground running.
“Mood is fine, the players and the team as a whole are focused and motivated for tomorrow’s match. I am sure they are going to give the best performance and effort to get the three points tomorrow,” said Alison ahead of the match.
Key Players to watch out for:
Luis Machado (Northeast United FC)
The Portuguese winger is the Highlanders’ joint highest goal scorer with 3 goals to his name alongside Kwesi Appiah, who is ruled out for the rest of the season. He played an important role against the Blues and will surely carry forward the same intent in the fixture against Jamshedpur FC.
Nerijus Valskis
The Lithuanian is by far the best ever signing Jamshedpur have ever made. He is the club’s highest ever goalscorer having found the back of net on 8 occasions. He will have a huge responsibility in the attacking third for the Men of steel.
Predicted Starting XI:
Jamshedpur FC (4-2-3-1): Rehenesh(GK), Dinliana, Hartley, Eze, Ricky, Amarjit, Monroy, Aniket, Jacki, Grande, Valskis.
Northeast United FC (4-3-3) : Gurmeet (GK), Ashutosh, Lambot, Fox, Gurjinder, Camara, Lalengmawia, Gallego, Ninthoi, Suhair, Machado.