Jamshedpur FC vs Bengaluru FC lineups, team news, prediction & preview

Jamshedpur FC are coming after a slender win over the Tuskers.

As 2025 begins, Jamshedpur FC will aim to launch their Indian Super League (ISL) campaign with a statement victory against Bengaluru FC, one of the prime contenders for the ISL Shield. The Steel Derby promises to ignite the chill of Jamshedpur’s winter as Khalid Jamil’s side faces off against Gerard Zaragoza’s formidable Bengaluru FC.

Both teams, who entered the ISL together, share a rich rivalry, adding an extra layer of intensity to this highly anticipated clash. The JRD Tata Sports Complex, affectionately called the Furnace, will witness a showdown of strategy, strength, and spirit. Fans can expect a thrilling start to the year as the Steel Derby sets the stage for an electrifying 2025 season.

The Stakes

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC, enjoying their best start in an Indian Super League campaign, currently sit fifth in the points table. With just six points separating them from their immediate opponents, Bengaluru FC, and a game in hand, Khalid Jamil’s side is poised to capitalize on this crucial opportunity. A victory would propel them to third place, improving their goal difference and bolstering their top-four ambitions.

Fresh from a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kerala Blasters, courtesy of Pratik Chaudhari’s decisive header in the 61st minute, the Red Miners aim to maintain their momentum. As they prepare to clash with Bengaluru FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, the Furnace promises to be electric, with Jamshedpur’s passionate fans rallying to inspire their team to another memorable triumph.

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC, under Gerard Zaragoza, have been a force to reckon with this season, currently occupying second place in the ISL standings. With eight wins and only two losses, their campaign have been defined by consistency and resilience. Their recent 4-2 triumph over Chennaiyin FC showcased their attacking flair, and their impressive away record further solidifies their credentials as serious contenders for the title.

Having already secured victories in challenging venues like Kolkata, Kochi, and Chennai, Bengaluru FC will look to maintain their momentum as they face Jamshedpur FC. Zaragoza faces a tactical decision on whether to tweak his winning combination or stick with the lineup that has delivered consistently. This clash promises to be another thrilling chapter in their push to close the gap on table-toppers Mohun Bagan Supergiants.

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Team & Injury News

Khalid Jamil will have the luxury to pick his best combination of players from a fully fit and available side. The Red Miners will however miss the presence of the Nigerian centre-back Stephen Eze, who is set to miss the upcoming game after picking his fifth yellow card of the season against the Tuskers.

The Blues on the other hand also have a fully fit and available side for the upcoming game against the Red Miners.

Head-to-head

Total Matches – 16

Jamshedpur FC wins – 04

Bengaluru FC wins – 08

Draws – 08

Predicted Lineups

Jamshedpur FC (4-2-3-1) 

Albino Gomes (GK); Nikhil Barla, Pratik Chaudhari, Lazar Cirkovic, Md Uvais; Rei Tachikawa, Sourav Das; Imran Khan, Javi Hernandez, Md Sanan; Javi Siverio

Bengaluru FC (4-3-3)

Gurpreet Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana, N Singh; Alberto Noguera, P Capo, Suresh Wangjam; Ryan Williams, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Sunil Chhetri

Players to watch

Rei Tachikawa (Jamshedpur FC)

Rei Tachikawa, the Japanese Samurai from Shizuoka, has brought a wave of transformation to Jamshedpur FC since joining the Indian Super League in 2023. Having honed his skills with Osaka University HSS during his college days and later with Santa Lucia and Sirens, his journey reflects resilience and growth. One of the few players retained from the previous season, Tachikawa has become a pivotal figure for the Red Miners, known for his goals and dynamic runs that have revitalized the team’s attacking prowess.

His versatility and experience across Asian leagues make him a crucial asset, especially in high-stakes encounters against formidable opponents like Bengaluru FC. Renowned for his precision with free-kicks and corners, Tachikawa’s shot-taking ability has already produced some spectacular goals. As Jamshedpur FC eyes key victories, the Samurai’s composure and flair will undoubtedly be instrumental in driving their ambitions forward.

Nikhil Poojary (Bengaluru FC)

Nikhil Poojary, the 29-year-old right-back-cum-winger from Mangaluru, has carved an impressive journey in Indian football, showcasing his versatility and flair. After stints with East Bengal and FC Pune City, he joined Hyderabad FC, where his persistence bore fruit as the Nizams clinched the Indian Super League title in the 2021-22 season. However, with Hyderabad FC facing financial turmoil, Poojary made a pivotal move to Bengaluru FC.

Since joining Gerard Zaragoza’s outfit, Poojary has been instrumental in their tactical setup. His seamless overlapping runs on the right flank have not only added width to the attack but also created numerous goal-scoring opportunities. A key contributor to counter-attacks, his ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and assists has made him an indispensable asset for Bengaluru FC’s campaign.

Did you know

• Both Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC made their inception into the ISL together in the 2017-18 season.
• Jamshedpur FC thrashed Bengaluru FC 5-1 in the same season where the Blues emerged as the ISL Champions.
• Gerard Zaragoza’s first win as the BFC manager came against the Red Miners in Kanteerva last season.

Telecast Details

The 2024-25 Indian Super League match between Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC will take place at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Saturday (04 January)

It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Sports 18 and be available for streaming on Jio Cinema. International viewers can also watch the match on the OneFootball app.

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