Preview: Bengaluru FC host fellow strugglers Jamshedpur FC

Both teams find themselves at the bottom end of the points table.

Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC, two teams who are yet to get their season going, face off at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Jamshedpur have lost their last six matches and sit in 10th place with four points. Hosts Bengaluru FC are one spot above Jamshedpur with seven points. Since joining the ISL in 2017, both Bengaluru and Jamshedpur FC have experienced highs.

BFC topped the league table in 2017-18 and 2018-19, winning the league in their second season. Jamshedpur FC won the League Winners Shield last season. This season has been dreadful so far for both, but things can turn around very quickly.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

Back-to-back losses against fierce rivals ATK Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters have halted the run of momentum gathered with the victory in Goa. The Blues will want to get back to their dominant ways at home. They have an opportunity to end the first half of the season with a run of points, which could be the catalyst for a turnaround.

Jamshedpur FC

Key players leaving indicate instability within Jamshedpur’s ranks. They have however made some crucial signings that could instantly change the flavour. One win or even a draw to break the run of losses is just what the Red Miners will be targeting.

Team News

Bengaluru FC’s new signing Pablo Perez should get some more first-team minutes after coming on against Kerala Blasters. Udanta has been injured for the last two matches.

Peter Hartley has left Jamshedpur FC, as exclusively reported by Khel Now. His late red card against ATK Mohun Bagan was the final straw. A new defender has been outlined as Hartley’s replacement. Crivellaro should start again.

Head-to-Head

Two of the last five meetings between Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC have ended in a goalless draw.

Played - 10

Bengaluru FC - 3

Jamshedpur FC - 4

Draws - 3

Probable Lineups

Bengaluru FC (4-3-3)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Prabir Das, Sandesh Jhingan, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Namgyal Bhutia, Suresh Singh, Danish Farooq, Javi Hernandez, Roshan Singh, Sunil Chhetri (c), Roy Krishna

Jamshedpur FC (4-2-3-1)

Vishal Yadav (GK), Laldinliana Renthlei, Eli Sabia, Pratik Chaudhari, Ricky Lallawmawma, Germanpreet Singh, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Boris Singh Thangjam, Rafael Crivellaro, Ritwik Das, Daniel Chima Chukwu

Player to watch

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

Bengaluru’s custodian has impressed in goal, doubling up as a leader in the back line. He has the second most saves this season, one behind Vishal Kaith. Gurpreet’s bold collections from opposition set-pieces and quick distribution should make Bengaluru a dangerous side on the counter.

Rafael Crivellaro (Jamshedpur FC)

One of the best-attacking midfielders in the league returns to action. Crivellaro moved to Jamshedpur from Chennaiyin. The Brazilian enjoyed a fruitful introduction to the league in 2019-20, scoring 7 goals and 8 assists. Since then, injuries have affected his output. He can score from anywhere and his link-up-play is second to none.

Did you know?

• Udanta Singh is a product of the Tata Football Academy.
• Simon Grayson and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas both featured in the Championship in 2015-16 and 2016-17. Grayson was the Preston North End head coach, and JET played for Queens Park Rangers and MK Dons.
• Jamshedpur were one of two teams to beat Bengaluru FC at home during the 2017-18 ISL league stages. The other team was Chennaiyin FC.

Telecast

The match between Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC will take place at the Sri Kanteerava Stadium on December 16th (Saturday). The kick-off time is 5:30 pm IST. The game will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match.