Bengaluru FC vs Jamshedpur FC: Three key battles to decide Hero Super Cup tie

Either of the clubs will aim to win these duels in order to prosper in the cup.

Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC will play the upcoming semi-final against each other in the 2023 Hero Super Cup. After the group stage, the knockout stages will only get more exciting considering the stakes. A place in the final is on the line as both teams prepare for the high-octane clash set to be played at the EMS Stadium, Kozhikode in Kerala on Friday, 21 April 2023.

There will be several high-profile Indian and foreign players on the pitch when Bengaluru FC faces Jamshedpur FC. In addition to the domestic players, both outfits also have a strong foreign contingent that can turn the tides.

Here is a look at the three key battles from Bengaluru FC vs Jamshedpur FC that are likely to play a key role in deciding the winner from the semi-final.

3. Rohit Kumar vs Rafael Crivellaro

Rohit Kumar had a brilliant season for Bengaluru FC in the midfield. The box-to-box midfielder does an exceptional job of providing cover to the defence and making late runs in the attacking third. His role in the BFC lineup is crucial and he will hope to silence Rafael Crivellaro in the next game.

The playmaker is the creative outlet in the Red Miners' lineup. The Men of Steel rely heavily on the midfielder and Rohit will aim to nullify his threat by denying him time and space on the ball. Rafael has two goals in the 2023 Super Cup already and allowing him to create chances or to score will be a grave mistake on BFC’s part.

2. Sandesh Jhingan vs Daniel Chukwu

Sandesh Jhingan is a warrior but he will meet his match with Daniel Chukwu in the semis. Both players rely on strength and physicality to dominate their opponents. Therefore, it will be a battle of two strong individuals who will battle it out for every inch of space.

Sandesh Jhingan’s aerial prowess and reading of the game help him make sturdy clearances. However, Daniel does not easily get shaken off the ball and will influence the game with his hold-up play. He also has that extra second at times, and Jhingan should be wary while making challenges. While Chukwu is a threat, one must keep an eye on Harry Sawyer as well, who will give Sandesh Jhingan a lot of trouble in the box.

1. Roy Krishna vs Pratik Chaudhari

Roy Krishna has the tendency to turn up when his team needs him the most. The man for the big occasion will be a constant threat when Bengaluru FC takes the field against Jamshedpur FC. His movement inside the box and anticipation for scoring make him a tricky operator.

The task of keeping a close watch on Krishna will fall on Pratik Chaudhari. The defender is in a rich vein of form and is one of the reasons behind JFC’s good run of results of late. It will be an interesting battle that will certainly entertain the fans. In addition to Krishna, Chaudhari will also be wary of the threat of Sivasakti Narayanan and Sunil Chhetri.