Jamshedpur FC vs Odisha FC Preview: Predicted lineups, start time & where to watch ISL 2025-26
Jamshedpur FC are mathematically still alive in title race
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 has finally come to its business end, and the final matchweek of the ISL takes us to the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur, which gears up to host the title-defining clash against the former Super Cup winners Odisha FC.
After a delayed ISL season affected by uncertainties, foreign players and coaches leaving teams, who would have thought in their wildest dreams that the Shield Winners would be decided on the final day of the ISL season, where there are not even playoffs and finals.
For the first time in ISL history, there are no playoffs, and the team that finishes top will be crowned Champions, very much similar to how some of the top leagues in the world work. To make things fascinating, all teams in contention will play their ultimate game at the same time.
Had Jamshedpur FC won their previous game against Bengaluru FC, they would have been at the top of the ISL table and would have been the favourites to win the ISL Shield. They now have very slim chances of making it to the top, but mathematically, they are still alive.
Talking about Odisha FC, they have nothing to lose or gain. After Sergio Lobera’s departure, the Juggernauts have had a tough time. Head coach T. G. Purushothaman still did a brilliant job to propel Odisha FC out of the relegation zone and would be keen to completely shatter Odisha’s title hopes.
The Stakes
Jamshedpur FC
The road to the ISL title looks difficult for the Red Miners. When everyone thought they were out of contention after a streak of winless games, they managed to beat Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa and reignited their title hopes, but a 1-0 defeat to the Blues ended their dreams.
The Red Miners would need more than just a win. A win against Odisha FC will take them to 24 points. Now, if East Bengal and Mohun Bagan SG both lose their games, they would finish at 23 points. Punjab FC and Mumbai play each other, and if the game ends in a draw, they will also finish at 23 points.
Though the permutation looks unrealistic, the Red Miners are still alive in the title race.
Odisha FC
It has been a terrible season for the Kalinga Warriors, who won the Super Cup just a few years ago. From representing India at the AFC Cup to battling relegation, it has been Odisha FC’s worst season in the last couple of years.
They are currently placed third from the bottom and had there not been Mohammedan, they would have been just one point above the relegation zone. They managed to win just two games out of 12 games and lost half of their games this season.
They played the season with just one foreign player, Carlos Delgado from Spain. The silver lining in the cloud has been Rahim Ali, VP Suhair and Khawlhring, who impressed a lot and helped Odisha have a respectable season despite all the calamities and struggles.
Team News
Jamshedpur FC will have a fully fit and available side.
T. G. Purushothaman will have a fully fit and available side to pick his starting eleven except Carlos Delgado, captain of Odisha FC who was injured in the last game and has left for Spain making him unavailable for this clash. Also, Rahim Ali’s availability remains uncertain heading into the final fixture of the season.
Head-to-head
Total Matches – 12
Jamshedpur FC wins – 05
Odisha FC wins – 06
Draws – 01
Predicted Lineups
Jamshedpur FC (4-2-3-1)
Albino Gomes (GK); Sarthak Golui, Pratik Chaudhari, Stephen Eze, Nikhil Barla; Puia, Nikola Stojanovic; Rosenberg Gariel, Madih Talal, Mohammed Sanan; Messi Bouli
Odisha FC (4-4-2)
Amrinder Singh (GK), Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak, Thoiba Singh, Tejas Krishna, Subham Bhattacharya; Hitesh Sharma, Puitea; Rahul KP, Lalrinfela, Isak Vanlalruatfela; VP Suhair.
Players to Watchout
Stephen Eze (Jamshedpur FC)
The Nigerian centre back is a big match player and not starting him in the previous game cost Jamshedpur FC three points. He is more than just a centre back, who contributes offensively during transition plays and is one of the top goal scorers from set pieces.
He played for teams like Queens Park and Quang Nam before reuniting with Jamshedpur FC for his second stint. In big games like the title decider, his presence on the pitch will be crucial for the Red Miners, who can’t afford anything other than all three points from the game.
In 10 games, he has also scored two goals so far and has been a rock-solid presence in the defence.
VP Suhair (Odisha FC)
VP Suhair will be one of the key players to watch for Odisha FC as they face Jamshedpur FC in the final game of the ISL 2025-26 season. The forward has stepped up for his side in crucial moments this campaign and has looked sharp in recent matches with his movement, energy and finishing ability.
With four goals to his name this season, Suhair will once again be expected to lead Odisha’s attack and make the difference in what promises to be a high intensity clash.
Did you know
- The last time Jamshedpur defeated Odisha was back in 2023
- Odisha FC defeated Jamshedpur FC in all of their last four meetings.
- This is a must-win game for Jamshedpur to keep their title hopes alive.
Telecast Details
The Indian Super League 2025-26 match between Jamshedpur FC and Odisha FC will take place at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Thursday (21 May)
It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST. The match will be broadcast live on Sony Network for TV and stream on the FanCode app.
Outside India, in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 matches will be live-streamed on the FanCode app.
Begin Watch is the official broadcast partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.
In all other remaining countries, live streaming will be available on the FanCode YouTube channel.
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.