Preview: Jamshedpur FC eye first-leg revenge over Hyderabad FC

This fixture has mostly ended in draws.

Hyderabad FC are set to welcome Jamshedpur FC at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium. This is going to be the last home fixture for the Nizams of the league stage before the Indian Super League 2022-23 playoffs commence. 

The Men of Steel will play for pride as their hopes of a playoff qualification ended a while ago. Traditionally, matches between Hyderabad FC and Jamshedpur FC have been entertaining. Both teams like to play attacking football, one that is entertaining to watch.

The upcoming game does not have a lot riding on the line as Hyderabad FC are already in the playoffs and Jamshedpur FC do not mathematically have a chance. Having said that, it is going to be an exciting fixture with the possibility of seeing fringe members of both squads in action.

Here is what to expect from the match:

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC have a chance to rest some key players before the ISL 2022-23 playoffs. The club has secured second position on the league table which will propel them straight to the semi-final stage of the tournament. However, Manolo Marquez is popular for not letting standards go down. He indicated after the previous game that there will be changes to the line-up. Players coming into the XI will aim to deliver a win in front of the home crowd.

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC’s ISL 2022-23 campaign is a complete contrast to their previous one. The winners of the 2021-22 ISL Shield are going to finish outside the positions that offer playoff football. While a bottom-place finish is not a possibility, the JFC squad will hope to finish the season on a strong note. 

Injury & Team News

Hyderabad FC will miss the services of Laxmikant Kattimani who misses out due to a long-term injury. However, Joao Victor is set to feature in a limited role as he comes back from an injury himself. One can expect a few changes to the line-up. As for Jamshedpur FC, Pronay Halder will be back after serving a suspension.

Head-to-Head

Hyderabad FC and Jamshedpur FC have locked horns seven times prior to this game.

Hyderabad FC - 1

Jamshedpur FC - 2

Drawn - 4

Predicted Line-ups

Hyderabad FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurmeet Singh (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Odei Onaindia, Chinglensana Singh, Manoj Mohammad; Borja Herrera, Sahil Tavora; Abdul Rabeeh, Joel Chianese, Rohit Danu; Javier Siverio.

Jamshedpur FC (4-4-2)

TP Rehenesh (GK); Laldinliana Renthlei, Pratik Chaudhari, Eli Sabia, Ricky Lallawmawma; Boris Singh, Jitendra Singh, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Ritwik Das, Harry Sawyer, Daniel Chima Chukwu.

Player to Watch

Rohit Danu (Hyderabad FC)

Rohit Danu is one of the most exciting attackers in the Hyderabad FC squad. He plays as an attacking winger for the Nizams, particularly from the left flank. His pace and movement can cause plenty of issues for an opposition full-back. 

He is one of the players who could enjoy more game-time in the remaining two league fixtures of the season. The 20-year-old is yet to find the back of the net this term, but the upcoming fixtures could be the ones where he ends the drought.

Ritwik Das (Jamshedpur FC)

Ritwik Das’ performance in the 2022-23 ISL campaign has been one of the few positives in an otherwise horrible season for Jamshedpur FC. 

He has scored four goals for the club in the ongoing season. The winger is the joint-top goal-scorer for the Men of Steel with Daniel Chima Chukwu, who also has four goals. Hyderabad FC defenders must keep a close watch on Das, who can both score from distance and deliver dangerous crosses for his teammates.

Did You Know?

• The reverse fixture ended 1-0 in favour of Hyderabad FC, which was their first-ever win over Jamshedpur FC.
• Before coming to India, Aidy Boothroyd worked as the manager of the England U-21 national team.
• With 16 goals in 18 games, Jamshedpur FC are only the second team to score less than 20 goals at that mark of the season.

Telecast

The Hyderabad FC vs Jamshedpur FC game will be played at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium. Kick-off is at 5:30 PM IST on 18 February 2023. The live telecast of the game will be available on the Star Sports Network. Disney+ Hotstar and JioTV will live stream the match.