Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant lineups, team news, prediction & preview

The Red Miners eye a miraculous upset against the ISL Shield Winners in the Furnace.

Nobody would have dared to imagine in their wildest dreams that Jamshedpur FC, led by an Indian coach, Khalid Jamil, would make it to the Indian Super League (ISL) semi-finals. The Furnace has always been Coach Khalid Jamil’s favourite battleground, and he would love to take a decisive lead in the home leg before heading towards Kolkata for the away leg.

On the other hand, Mohun Bagan has had an invincible ISL season, as they retained the ISL Shield and became the Champions of India. They are high on spirits and would leave no stone unturned to become the second team after Mumbai City FC to win the ISL Shield and the trophy in a single season.

Amidst much anticipation, the Furnace is expected to turn up for one last time to back their team for what had been a season worth remembering for ages for the Red Miners. As the Red Miners gear up to host the Kolkata giants in the first leg of the ISL Semi-Finals, all eyes will be on coach Khalid Jamil to see if he can make the most of his home advantage.

The Stakes

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC became the first team in the history of the league to make it to the ISL Semi-Finals despite finishing out of the top four. After a series of winless runs in their final three games of the regular season, the Men of Steel had to settle for the fifth position in the points table despite being level on points with Bengaluru FC and North East United FC.

Khalid’s men had to overcome the Highlanders to make it to the ISL semi-finals. Juan Pedro Benali’s side humiliated the Red Miners after securing two massive victories in the regular seasons. To make things complicated, they had to travel all way long to Shillong for an away fixture.

However, Khalid Jamil is synonymous with miracles, and the Red Miners registered an emphatic 2-0 win over the Highlanders to clinch a semi-final berth against the Mariners despite being reduced to ten men.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant

The indomitable Mohun Bagan had to settle for just a point in their last outing at the Furnace. Stephen Eze’s awe-inspiring equaliser came right for the Red Miners. However, Mohun Bagan had enjoyed happy times at the Furnace. In the 2023-24 ISL season, they clinched a 3-2 victory over the Red Miners.

Jose Molina would be wary of the threats possessed by the Red Mariners. However, the Mariners have been in sublime form this season, and their quest to establish their supremacy in Indian football continues as they eye back-to-back ISL Final appearances. The Mariners loyalists are also expected to turn out in large numbers and paint the Furnace Green and Maroon for the upcoming clash.

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Team & Injury News

Khalid Jamil will miss the presence of Mobashir Rahman, who picked a red card in the previous match. The clouds of uncertainty still prevail over the possible inclusion of Lazar Cirkovic and Pratik Chaudhary.

On the other hand, Jose Molina will have the luxury of fielding his best playing 11 from a fully fit and available squad.

Head-to-Head Record

Total Matches – 11

Jamshedpur FC wins – 04

Mohun Bagan wins – 05

Draws – 02

Predicted Lineups

Jamshedpur FC (4-4-2) 

Albino Gomes (GK); Ashutosh Mehta, Pronay Halder, Stephen Eze, Md Uvais; Nikhil Barla, Sourav Das, Rei Tachikawa, Md Sanan; Javi Hernandez, Jordan Murray

Mohun Bagan Super Giant (4-2-3-1)

Kaith (GK); Ashish Rai, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodrigues, S Bose; Apuia, Deepak Tangri; Manvir Singh, Greg Stewart, Liston Colaco; Jamie Maclaren

Players to Watch

Javier Hernandez (Jamshedpur FC)

The 35-year-old Spanish captain from Salamanca has repeatedly proved his tenacity in the Indian Super League. At a time when the future looked bleak for the Red Miners, Javi’s arrival in the club rejuvenated a spirit of comeback and resilience. His leadership qualities have significantly impacted the club, and he will be keen to become the first captain to lead Jamshedpur FC to ISL Cup Winners.

Javi’s calm composure grabbed many eyeballs in a tightly contested fixture against the Highlanders. From making those counter-attacking runs to pressing back rapidly to aid the defence, he was a shining star for the Red Miners. As they look forward to overcoming the Mariners, Javi’s experience would be key for coach Khalid and his men.

Liston Colaco (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Listo Colaco scored against the Red Miners in the regular season when the Mariners humbled them with a massive 3-0 win. The 26-year-old Goan forward from Davorlim has won the Super Cup with FC Goa in 2019. After joining the Mariners, he has been in sublime form for both his club and the country.

He was adjudged the “Mohun Bagan Footballer of the Year Award” in 2022 for his exemplary performances. With JFC often relying on counter-attacks, Liston’s acceleration and curlers could be the X-Factor for the Mariners.

Did You Know?

• Mohun Bagan are the reigning ISL Shield Winners
• Mohun Bagan thrashed Jamshedpur FC 3-0 in the regular fixture at Salt Lake.
• When these two sides last met at the Furnace, both teams had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Telecast Details

The 2024-25 Indian Super League match between Jamshedpur FC and Mohun Bagan will take place at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Friday (03 April).

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 Hotstar. International viewers can also watch the match on the OneFootball app.

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