Both Jamshedpur FC and Odisha FC suffered losses against Chennaiyin FC and Hyderabad FC respectively in opening matches of ISL 2020-21.
The start for the new head-coach Owen Coyle didn’t go as expected against his former club Chennaiyin FC. With the inclusion of Nerijus Valskis, Jackichand Singh, Alex Lima and others, the team looked impressive but didn’t succeed to win even though many chances were created for scoring goals. Jamshedpur FC needs to improve across all departments making sure that they perform well throughout the competition.
The same storyline remained for Stuart Baxter’s side Odisha FC as they were unsuccessful to score a goal against Hyderabad FC, even when they started with three foreigners in attacking positions.
3 INDIAN AND 3 FOREIGN PLAYERS TO LOOK-OUT FOR FROM JAMSHEDPUR FC
Narender Gahlot, Aniket Jadhav and Jackichand Singh are the three Indian players to look out in Jamshedpur’s camp.
Gahlot had a good game against Chennaiyin FC, where he made 5 clearance and 3 successful interceptions in his 42 minutes of play on the field. The young prospect, Aniket Jadhav will have the chance to showcase his talent on the field and the experienced Jackichand Singh can’t be dropped out from this list. Jackichand provided one assist in the previous match and 9 crosses.
Stephen Eze, Alex Lima and Nerijus Valskis are the key overseas players of Jamshedpur FC. Stephen Eze had a decent first match, completing his defensive role very dominantly. Alex Lima has been the underrated player in the first match, but Odisha FC has to look out for him as he can be dangerous for creating chances and even scoring goals. Nerijus Valskis needs no mention, as he has been the sole goal scorer for Jamshedpur FC. His finishing ability is astonishing and with no doubt, he will be in the race of Golden Boot for another season.
3 INDIAN AND 3 FOREIGN PLAYERS TO LOOK-OUT FOR FROM ODISHA FC
Shubham Sarangi, Vinit Rai and Jerry Mawihmingthanga will be Indian players to lookout for. Shubham Sarangi will partner with foreign defenders to uphold the opponents while Vinit Rai has been extremely good in keeping the ball possession and creating chances. Jerry will have the responsibility to press higher in the midfield.
Steven Taylor, Manuel Onwu, Marcelinho Pereira are the three Odisha FC foreign players to look out in this game. Steven Taylor will play an influential role in defence of Odisha FC to block the opponent’s attacks and make sure the team keeps a clean sheet. Both Onwu and Marcelinho failed to find the net in the first game. Both could cause menace for Jamshedpur FC defenders in the upcoming match.
INJURIES
Peter Hartley of Jamshedpur FC was subbed off in the first half of the previous match. Hence, it’s doubtful that he will be placed in starting 11. In the last match, Odisha FC missed some players like Cole Alexander, Vinit Rai, Jerry Mavihmingthanga and others due to lack of match fitness. Baxter will have a full squad available for selection, where fans can be assured for a fascinating result.
HEAD TO HEAD
Both teams clashed against each other two times. The Man of Steel side won one match while Odisha FC won another.
PROBABLE XI OF JAMSHEDPUR FC
TP Rehnesh (GK), Sandip Mandi (LB), Stephen Eze (CB), Narender Gahlot (CB), Laldinliana Renthlei (RB), Amarjit Singh Kiyam (LDM), Aitor Monroy (RDM), David Grande (LW), Alex Lima (CAM), Jackichand Singh (RW), Nerijus Valskis (ST)
Substitutes – Aniket Jadhav, Peter Hartley, Nicolas Fitzgerald, Pawan Kumar, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Bhupender Singh, Ricky Lallawmawma.
PROBABLE XI OF ODISHA FC
Akshardeep Singh (GK), Hendry Antonay (LB), Steven Taylor (CB), Gaurav Bora (CB), Shubham Sarangi (RB), Vinit Rai (LDM), Cole Alexander (RDM), Manuel Onwu (LW), Marcelinho (CAM), Nanda Kumar (RW), Diego Mauricio (ST)
Substitutes – Thoiba Singh, George D’Souza, Saurabh Meher, Ravi Kumar, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Isak Vanlalruatfela
PREDICTIONS
Looking at both teams, the squad looks balanced and hence the match will be full of excitement for the fans. Hence, we predict a draw where both teams will share a point each.
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