Durand Cup 2022 Preview: Jamshedpur FC play FC Goa in a must win game

Muhammed Nemil is the only goal-scorer for the Gaurs in this edition of the tournament.

The mid-table encounter sees ISL 2021-22 Shield winners Jamshedpur FC lock horns with defending Durand Cup champions FC Goa. Jamshedpur FC are yet to open their account in this edition of the competition. They lost their opening fixture to Bengaluru FC, before being on the receiving end of a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Mohammedan SC. Meanwhile, FC Goa sit third in the group with three points, courtesy their solitary victory coming against Indian Air Force.

The Stakes

Jamshedpur FC

The Men of Steel have given a host of academy graduates a taste of top-level football. The team impressed against Bengaluru FC in the opener, almost snatching a draw. The defeat against Mohammedan left several positives to take away, and the youngsters will fancy themselves against FC Goa.

FC Goa

Led by RF Youth Champs graduate Muhammed Nemil, FC Goa will look to impose themselves on a relatively inexperienced Jamshedpur FC. After a 3-1 loss to the Black Panthers, FC Goa bounced back with a victory against Air Force. Coach Deggie Cardozo is aware of the uphill task at hand, with the Gaurs yet to face a full-strength Bengaluru FC. Three points will be a shot in the arm of the youngsters.

Team news

Both FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC will be having a fully fit squad going into the game.

Head-to-head

Both sides are almost equally matched in head-to-head numbers across all competitions. Out of 10 matches, FC Goa have won five while Jamshedpur have won four.

The two teams have met only once in the Durand Cup, in which FC Goa prevailed 5-0.

Probable line-ups

FC Goa: Hrithik Tiwari, Salman Faris, Mallikjan Kalegar, Lesly Rebello (c), Deeshank Kunkalikar, Ayush Chhetri, Lalremruata HP, Mevan Dias, Muhammed Nemil, Delton Colaco, Phrangki Buam

Jamshedpur FC: Mohit Singh Dhami, Kojam Beyong, Saphanba Singh Telem, Sandip Mandi (c), Aryan Sonowal, Lenin Singh, Phijam Vikash Singh, Angelo Singh, Piyush Thakuri, Vinil Poojary, LalruatMawia

Man to watch

Lenin Singh (Jamshedpur FC)

Lenin Singh has proven to be an asset in the midfield, who has built on the potential he showed during the RF Development League. He should work on his composure but has all the attributes to become a star. Fans should have all eyes focused on this youngster!

Muhammed Nemil (FC Goa)

Muhammed Nemil has been the centre of attention, scoring a screamer into the top-left corner to shock the full-strength Black Panthers. A few days later, his 8th minute strike against the Airmen proved to be the difference between the two sides. The 22-year-old has posted impressive passing accuracy numbers with 78.98% and his clinical finishing sees him firmly in the hunt for the most number of goals in the tournament.

Did you know?

• FC Goa are the only Indian Super League side to win the Durand Cup.
• Jamshedpur FC are yet to register their first win in the Durand Cup.
• Devendra Murgaonkar (FC Goa) was the joint top scorer of the Durand Cup last year along with Marcus Joseph (Mohammedan SC) with five goals.

Telecast

The match between Jamshedpur FC and FC Goa will be played at the Salt Lake Stadium. The game will kick off at 6 pm IST. Sports18 - Sports18 1 SD & HD and Sports18 Khel (Hindi Commentary) will telecast the match. It will also be streamed on Voot and JioTV.