Winless Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United hope to end poor run

Both teams occupy the final two spots in the ISL 2022-23 points table.

The two lowest-placed teams, Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United, will be up against each other looking to revive their season before it gets too late. Last season’s League Shield winners Jamshedpur FC seems to miss that creativity Greg Stewart provided. Head coach Aidy Boothroyd is yet to find his winning combination and admitted the void left by Stewart’s transfer to rivals Mumbai City FC. Their biggest summer signing Jay Emmanuel Thomas is expected to start against the Highlanders and Boothroyd will hope he is the solution to the team’s woes. 

NorthEast United FC, on the other hand, again find themselves at the bottom of the table. Marco Balbul's side are yet to earn a point after three matchdays, the only side without a point so far this season. NorthEast United will be heading into the game with a point to prove and we can expect serious action at JRD Tata Sports Complex.

The Stakes

Jamshedpur FC

As admitted by Aidy in an exclusive podcast with Khel Now, Jamshedpur FC players were overachieving when he took over. Last year the team scored the second-highest number of goals and conceded the least. The team was playing attacking football maintaining the defensive solidity at the back. It was eye-catching football with Greg Stewart being the focal point of the system.

The unexpected transfer of Stewart raised questions about the team being the same without him. In the first two games, Jamshedpur FC seemed to have lost the creativity in attacking third and lost possession too cheaply. However, their big man Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is yet to start a game and he has to deliver on the expectations of the fans. The Men of Steel need to prove they are much more than a one-man team.

North East United

The Highlanders are again having a tough start to their campaign. The Highlanders must be looking to revamp this season under Marco Balbul after a hard time last time. North East United find themselves in make or break situation and they can't afford to drop points against the Red Miners.

Team News

NorthEast United are missing Provat Lakra. Apart from that, the Highlanders have a fit squad available for the clash. Jamshedpur FC fans will hope new signing Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is fit enough to start. Aidy Boothroyd's side have not reported any injury concerns.

Head-to-Head

Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United have met on 10 previous occasions in the ISL. The Men of Steel lead the head-to-head record with four wins, while the Highlanders have manages to come out on top just once. Five matches between these two teams have ended in draws.

JFC also lead NEUFC in the number of goals scored in these meetings with 14 goals in comparison to NorthEast United's 11 goals.

Probable Lineups

Jamshedpur FC Predicted XI: Rehenesh TP (GK); Dinliana Renthlei, Eli Sabia, Peter Hartley, Ricky Lallawmawma; Ritwik Das, Jitendra Singh, Germanpreet Singh, Boris Singh; Jay Emmanuel, Daniel Chima 

NorthEast United Predicted XI: Arindam Bhattacharya (GK), Joe Zoherliana, Michael Jakobsen, Aaron Evans, Gurjinder Kumar; Imran Khan, Emanuel Lalchhanchhuaha, Jon Gazatanaga; Jithin MS, Matt Derbyshire, Rochharzela

Man to watch

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (Jamshedpur FC)

With only a point in two games, Jamshedpur FC are in desperate need for creativity and goals. So far, they have scored three goals, with two of them coming from Daniel Chima.

The versatile forward is expected to start against NorthEast United. Jamshedpur FC is in immediate need of the striker to save their title dreams and find the winning combination.

Jithin MS (NorthEast United)

The forward has been one of the few bright sparks for John Abraham’s side. He has been a regular under Balbul and has featured in all the games so far. He has pace, can take on defenders and even deliver good balls in the boxes.

But, his finishing has let him down big time. He has created numerous big and goalscoring chances for his side, but has failed to execute all of them. If he can sort out his finishing issues, he can be the real deal for NorthEast United going forward.

Did You Know?

• North East United are yet to defeat Jamshedpur FC at the Furnace.
• Jamshedpur FC custodian Rehenesh TP has already represented the Highlanders

Telecast

The match between Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United will take place at the JRD Tata Sports Complex (The Furnace), on October 30 (Sunday). The kick-off time is 7:30 pm IST. The match will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match.