ISL 2023-24: Jamshedpur FC vs East Bengal: Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details

This ISL clash will be crucial for both sides as it will help them get closer to confirming the sixth playoff spot.

Jamshedpur FC will look to continue their amazing work in the Khalid Jamil era when they host East Bengal at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur on Thursday (22 February).

With both teams fiercely fighting for the Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs spot, this game holds utmost importance and one that can tighten up the frantic race for that elusive sixth spot even further.

The Stakes

Jamshedpur FC

The Men of Steel have found new life under manager Khalid Jamil and have gone unbeaten in the second leg of the 2023-24 ISL season. Moreover, they’ve also gotten big wins over Mumbai City and Punjab FC away from home. However, Jamshedpur are yet to display similar fireworks at the Furnace and will hope to do just that when they face the Kolkata giants.

Having suffered a loss in the Super Cup semis, Jamshedpur are vying for revenge and will look to dent East Bengal’s playoff ambitions while further fueling up their own. A win can help them build on some winning momentum and create a nice gap from the rest of the pack in the sixth-place race as well. Another draw at home can not only be frustrating, but potentially be as harmful as a loss because Jamshedpur have played more matches than their top-six rivals – which is why they must treat this match as a final itself and produce their best performance to oust the Red & Gold Brigade.

East Bengal

East Bengal are feeling the heat of what has been a chaotic month of February in which the squad has gotten very little rest due to the exhausting schedule. The Red & Gold Brigade are however, coming off their first away win in the ISL season that gives the squad some confidence of being able to hold their own at the Furnace.

But Carles Cuadrat knows that his side needs to pick up more wins to solidify their chances of securing that top-six spot. With Jamshedpur one of their fierce rivals for that position, they need to treat this as a knockout tie in itself. A draw won’t be the worst result for East Bengal as they’ve played two games less than the Men of Steel, but a loss can be damning and create a pretty big gap between them and that final ISL playoff spot. A win however, can not only move them into the top-six (for the time being) but also significantly improve the self-belief within the squad and dent the aspirations of one of their main competitors.

Injury and Team News

Jamshedpur FC should have a fully fit unit available for this match.

East Bengal meanwhile, will be hoping for the return of midfielder Saul Crespo for this clash. Naorem Mahesh Singh and Lalchungnunga will be available for selection. New foreigner Aleksandar Pantic might be given some minutes.

Head-to-Head

Matches Played – 7

Jamshedpur FC wins – 2

East Bengal wins – 2

Draws – 3

Predicted Lineups

Jamshedpur FC (4-2-3-1)

TP Rehenesh (GK), Provat Lakra, Pratik Chaudhari, Elsinho, PC Laldinpuia, Jeremy Manzorro, Muhammad Uvais , Rei Tachikawa, Mohammad Sanan, Imran Khan, Daniel Chukwu

East Bengal (4-2-3-1)

Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Mohamad Rakip, Lalchungnunga, Hijazi Maher, Nishu Kumar, Sauvik Chakraborty, Victor Vazquez, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Cleiton Silva, Nandhakumar Sekar, Felicio Brown

Players to Watch

Daniel Chima Chukwu (Jamshedpur FC)

Daniel Chima has been a clinical driving force for Jamshedpur’s attacking line this season and has thrived his responsibilities as the captain under Khalid Jamil. He was a tormenting figure for the Punjab defenders in the last game and also put an end to a four-game goal drought in the ISL. The former East Bengal striker will look to haunt his former side and be an absolute thorn in the attacking areas.

He will try his best to help his side with his link-up play, while also getting himself into key areas in the box to trouble the opposition side. Chukwu needs to be at his lethal best to finish off whatever chances he gets and help Jamshedpur gain an edge in the playoffs race.

Victor Vazquez (East Bengal)

Victor Vazquez might have only made a few appearances for East Bengal, but he was brought in to help them control games better. The La Masia product could play a key role in helping the Red & Gold Brigade break the defensive line of Jamshedpur and unlock their stubborn shape as well.

Vazquez is blessed with creativity and needs to put that to good use by making smart defence-splitting passes that can help create chances for the forwards. Vazquez needs to be at his efficient, innovative best to help East Bengal control the game against Jamshedpur and prove his quality when it matters the most.

Did you know?

• Jamshedpur FC’s loss to East Bengal in the Super Cup is the last time they lost a game.
• Only two teams (FC Goa and Mumbai City) have conceded fewer goals than East Bengal in this ISL season.
• PC Laldinpuia has made more successful tackles (29) and interceptions (29) than any other player in the ISL 2023-24.

Telecast

The Jamshedpur FC vs East Bengal game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur on February 22, 2024. Live telecast of the fixture will be available on the Sports18 Network (Sports18 1/VH1 channel). Live streaming of the game will be available on the JioCinema app. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game.

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