Preview: Mumbai City aim to continue dominance against Jamshedpur FC

The relentless Mumbai City go on the road to face Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Friday. The Islanders, unbeaten in the ISL 2022-23 campaign thus far, have amassed 39 points in 15 games with 12 victories and three draws to their name. The incumbent League Winners’ Shield holders have endured a thoroughly disappointing season though – with just two victories in 15 matches, placing them in the penultimate spot currently.

Here is a detailed preview of the upcoming encounter.

The Stakes

Jamshedpur FC

There is little to gain for the Men of Steel in the rest of the campaign. Jamshedpur have looked like a pale shadow of their previous selves this season. The side has simply failed to click together as a unit throughout the course of the last 15 games.

They have been outclassed on several occasions, both at home and away as well. The Aidy Boothroyd-coached unit arguably stands little chance to withstand the peerless force that Mumbai will bring on the table.

Mumbai City

Mumbai are very close to clinching the unprecedented invincible status in the history of the Indian Super League (ISL). They have rarely conceded an inch this season, thrashing teams mercilessly en route to utter domination.

With the kind of form they are in, Des Buckingham’s men should aim to do the double, a repeat of their performance from the 2020-21 campaign under ex-head coach Sergio Lobera.

The side has not shown any signs of complacency until now and Friday gives them another opportunity to secure an authoritative win whilst heading into the fag end of the season.

Injury & Team News

For Jamshedpur FC, Aidy Boothroyd will have a complete squad to choose from.

Mumbai City will miss Amey Ranawade, who is ruled out for the season. Also, Rostyn Griffiths' presence is doubtful in this fixture.

Head-to-Head

Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City have locked horns 11 times prior to this encounter!

Jamshedpur FC – 5

Mumbai City – 4

Drawn – 2

Predicted Line-ups

Mumbai City (4-2-3-1)

Phurba Lachenpa (GK); Rahul Bheke, Mourtada Fall, Mehtab Singh, Mandar Rao Dessai; Ahmed Jahouh, Lalengmawia Ralte; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Greg Stewart, Bipin Singh; Jorge Pereyra Diaz.

Jamshedpur FC (4-2-3-1)

Vishal Yadav (GK); Laldinliana Renthlei, Eli Sabia, Pratik Chaudhari, Ricky Lallawmawma; Germanpreet Singh, Pronay Halder; Boris Singh, Rafael Crivellaro, Ritwik Das; Daniel Chima Chukwu.

Player To Watch

Rafael Crivellaro (Jamshedpur FC)

Mumbai have shown no signs of bogging down this year but a possible way of giving it back to them could be by matching them on their creative intensity up front. Brazilian attacking midfielder Rafael Crivellaro could lead this effort, though his attacking contributions have been far from satisfactory this season.

With just a solitary assist and no goals in seven games, Crivellaro has a lot to prove. He certainly has the calibre to put the Mumbai City backline to test and should be at the centre of Jamshedpur’s attacking moves.

Ahmed Jahouh (Mumbai City)

The Moroccan midfielder has been at the forefront of Mumbai’s utter dominance in recent games. He has been dictating the flow of the game single-handedly from the centre of the park, having recorded a total of two goals, three assists, along with an average of six tackles and 1.4 goal-scoring opportunities per game. He will again hold the key at Jamshedpur, shielding the backline and initiating Mumbai’s offensive endeavours seamlessly.

Did You Know?

• This game will mark Greg Stewart’s first visit to Jamshedpur, but as a Mumbai City player. He pioneered the Men of Steel to the ISL League Winners Shield’ in 2021-22 but the games were restricted to Goa in the preceding two seasons.
• With eight goals and four assists in 15 games, Lallianzuala Chhangte has recorded his best individual season in the history of the ISL already.
• Jamshedpur FC have scored the joint-least number of goals (13) along with NorthEast United so far in ISL 2022-23.

Telecast

The match between Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City will kick off at 7:30 PM IST on 27th January, Friday. The game will be played at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur. Live telecast will be available on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match.