Preview: Jamshedpur FC aim to build momentum against FC Goa

Both teams have registered a solitary loss and will look to topple each other.

FC Goa will lock horns with last season's ISL Shield winners Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League 2022-23 match at the Fatorda Stadium on Thursday. Carlos Pena’s men have won two of their opening three matches, while Aidy Boothroyd’s debut stint as head coach of the Red Miners began with a draw, loss and win apiece.

The Gaurs can capitalise on the extra playoffs spot as per the ISL's revisions. Although their head coach is well versed in the nitty gritty of the League, he must prove his mettle as the tactician to the board. Boothroyd has had a tough start to life in his first season in the League as his side have managed only four points from a possible nine. Eyes will be on both coaches and how the two will manage to counter and break down each other. 

Here is what we can look forward to in the upcoming clash between Jamshedpur FC and FC Goa.

The Stakes

FC Goa

A narrow but eye-opening loss against Hyderabad FC should provide fuel to Carlos Pena's side. FC Goa’s primary aim this season should be the knockouts, given the transitional phase they are in. Moreover, their tactician has mentioned playing for the three points more often than not in his pre-match press conferences. The Gaurs must look to get all three points against the ISL Shield holders and consolidate their standings. Doing so will help them build on their knockout stage aspirations. 

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC have their fair share of expectations that they need to fulfil especially after their title-winning campaign. The Red Miners have not had the dream start to defending the League Winners’ Shield under the leadership of Aidy Boothroyd. With one draw in their last three games, followed by a narrow win and a loss, the Englishman is yet to find his perfect formula.

The lack of creative output from a team that hasn’t coped up with life after Greg Stewart left is worrying and Boothroyd must start addressing things right away. A win at the Fatorda will see them not only topple Goa, but elevate to the fourth place as well. 

Team News

Jamshedpur FC have a fully fit roster to field against FC Goa and the manager will have to get creative to select this best line-up.

For FC Goa, Dheeraj Singh is training with the side. So, it remains to be seen whether Pena will stick with Arshdeep Singh in goal or will he bring back Dheeraj. 

Head-to-Head

FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC have clashed 10 times in the ISL. FC Goa have the superior record with five wins, while Jamshedpur FC have won four. One match has ended in a stalemate.

Goa also lead the head-to-head records in the number of goals scored with a whopping 17 in comparison to Jamshedpur’s 11.

Probable Line-ups

Jamshedpur FC: TP Rehenesh (GK); Laldinliana Renthlei, Eli Sabia, Peter Hartley, Ricky Lallawmawma; Ritwik Das, Sk Sahil, Wellington Priori, Len Doungel; Ishan Pandita, Daniel Chima Chukwu.

FC Goa: Arshdeep Singh (GK); Seriton Fernandes, Anwar Ali, Marc Valiente, Aiban Dohling; Edu Bedia, Ayush Chhetri; Iker Guarrotxena, Brandon Fernandes, Redeem Tlang; Alvaro Vazquez.

Man to Watch

Edu Bedia (FC Goa)

The Spanish maestro has been decisive in every game for Carlos Pena’s side. From the curling free-kick in the first game to almost equalising in the previous game against Hyderabad FC, he has demonstrated his set-piece threat effectively.

Apart from controlling the tempo of games and marauding the middle of the park, Edu Bedia can equally be involved in defensive actions. In doing so and by creating triangular lanes of passing, he can stop Jamshedpur from swamping them down in midfield unlike against Hyderabad FC.

Daniel Chima Chukwu (Jamshedpur FC)

The hulking striker is an omnipresent aerial threat and would be the same against the Gaurs. Boothroyd must look to deploy him in the heart of the Goa defence to trouble the likes of Marc Valiente and Anwar Ali. Fares Arnaout is the only FC Goa defender capable of physically handling the Nigerian. Even with him on the field, Chukwu has his pace to rely on and can hurt FC Goa should they choose to ignore his hold-up play. 

Did You Know?

• Both manager Carlos Pena and midfielder Edu Bedia played for Real Oviedo in the Spanish league.
• During his time with Watford, Aidy Boothroyd was hailed as one of the best young managers in England.
• Jamshedpur FC captain Peter Hartley made 166 appearances for Hartlepool United in England.

Telecast

The live telecast of the FC Goa vs Jamshedpur FC match will be available on the Star Sports Network. The live stream of the fixture can be viewed on Disney+Hotstar and JioTV. Kick-off is at 7:30 PM on Thursday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.