ISL 2023-24: Hosts Jamshedpur FC set to face defending champions Mohun Bagan

Mohun Bagan have won all the three games they played in the ISL this season so far

Jamshedpur FC are all set to host Indian Super League (ISL) heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Wednesday, 1 November.

In the form of the Mariners, the Men of Steel are facing a side that has yet to drop a point in the ISL so far. This is going to be arguably their biggest challenge of the 2023/24 season so far and one where they have the perfect chance to prove the quality of their squad.

Mohun Bagan will be determined to continue their winning run in the ISL and bounce back from the frustrating draw against Bashundhara Kings in the AFC Cup recently.

The Stakes

Jamshedpur FC

Scott Cooper’s side are coming off a frustrating loss to NorthEast United in their last game. They are, at least, unbeaten at home in this campaign and are yet to concede a goal either. The Men of Steel will look to maintain their stubborn, compact defensive shape to frustrate the Mariners.

A win for Jamshedpur can be huge to boosting their early playoff dreams. They are facing a side that last played in the ISL nearly three weeks ago and lack some match sharpness. A loss against arguably the most dominant ISL side isn’t anything to be ashamed of. But considering the importance of a win, this will have a lot riding on it for Jamshedpur.

Mohun Bagan SG

The Mariners saw their major winning streak snapped against Bashundhara and are probably frustrated by it. However, they have the perfect opportunity to bounce back from that by winning this one in a dominant fashion. Mohun Bagan face a Jamshedpur FC side that are really strong defensively, but not the most convincing going forward.

Fortunately for them, Juan Ferrando’s side is strongly balanced on both ends. They will look to use their quality to outwit the Men of Steel and maintain their 100% win record in the ISL. However, a loss or draw can further derail their momentum and cause even more frustration among the fans.

Injury & Team News

Jamshedpur FC have a fully fit squad available and have done really well to save the players from injuries in this campaign.

Mohun Bagan will be without defender Anwar Ali, who sustained an injury towards the end of the draw against Bashundhara Kings. Ashique Kuruniyan is a long-term absentee after sustaining a knee injury in the early part of the campaign.

Head to Head

This will be the first meeting between Mohun Bagan SG and Jamshedpur FC. However, the erstwhile ATK Mohun Bagan faced Jamshedpur FC 6 times in the ISL. They won twice while the Men of Steel picked up three wins.

Predicted Lineups

Jamshedpur FC (3-4-2-1)

Rehenesh TP (GK), Pratik Chaudhari, Elsinho, Laldinpuia, Nikhil Barla, Jitendra Singh, Rei Tachikawa, Ricky Lallawmawma, Alen Stevanovic, Nongdamba Naorem, Daniel Chima Chukwu

Mohun Bagan SG (3-4-1-2)

Vishal Kaith (GK), Deepak Tangri, Brendan Hamill, Subashish Bose, Manvir Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco, Hugo Boumous, Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummings

Players to Watch

Daniel Chima Chukwu (Jamshedpur FC)

Daniel China Chukwu is the most clinical option that Jamshedpur FC and needs to click for them to excel against the Mariners. The Nigerian forward scored the winning goal in their win over Hyderabad FC earlier this season. He is a bullish, physical centre-forward who loves to trouble centre-backs with his movement and duelling ability.

The Jamshedpur players need to find Chukwu in the empty spaces in the box for him to put his ruthless finishing skills to good use. He will also have to be decisive with his finishing and put away whatever chance is created for the Men of Steel to cause an upset.

Sahal Abdul Samad (Mohun Bagan SG)

Sahal Abdul Samad has tapped into his utmost potential since moving to Mohun Bagan SG and is excelling in that free midfield role. He might get a bit more freedom in the central areas because of how the defenders will probably look to mark the likes of Petratos and Cummings.

He will need to look to link up smartly with his teammates and create chances for them with his innovative forward passes. Samad also needs to use his game-reading IQ to sneak into the room inside the box to torment Rehenesh with his powerful shots.

Did you know?

• Daniel Chukwu is averaging the third most shots per 90 minutes (4.3) and shots on target per 90 minutes (2.0) this season.
• Sahal Abdul Samad has registered more assists (3) than any other player in the ISL so far this season.
• TP Rehenesh has the most number of clean sheets in the ISL so far this season with 3. He also has the best save percentage (82.4%).

Telecast

The Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan SG game will be played at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur. Kick-off is at 8 PM IST. Live streaming and broadcast of the game will be available on the JioCinema app and Sports 18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 channel), respectively.