With only pride at stake, Jamshedpur host Bengaluru in their last fixture of the season

The Men of Steel will be hoping to end their season on a good note.

Bengaluru FC will have a few things to put in place before they face the play-offs in the Hero Indian Super League.

The league toppers were the first team to qualify for the play-offs but the form of Carles Cuadrat’s side since the international break has been a concern. They got their confidence back after a 3-0 win over FC Goa in the previous game and will now seek to finish the league stage on a winning note as they face Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur, on Wednesday.

Bengaluru FC have won only two of their last six matches.

Coach's Corner

Cesar Ferrando (Jamshedpur FC)

Jamshedpur have had a season full of mixed results and have played nine draws this season, the highest tally for a club in the league stage in ISL. After a shocking 1-4 defeat against Pune, they were held by Chennaiyin in their last match, a result that crushed their hopes of qualifying.

“Like the top four teams, we did not have a striker scoring consistently but most of our goals were shared between our attackers. The lack of finishing is perhaps why we have had so many draws. Of course, missing out on the top-four is a disappointment,” said coach Cesar Ferrando.  

With play-off spot no longer available, Jamshedpur will look to pocket a morale-boosting triumph.

“It’s the last game in front of our home fans and we want to win it for them.  I am delighted with the performance of the team and I wish we can finish the season on a high with a win against Bengaluru,” said the coach.

Carles Cuadrat (Bengaluru FC)

The Blues have faced Jamshedpur three times and both teams have a win each. Their last meeting ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw in October, with Sergio Cidoncha netting a late equaliser in added time.

“We have a lot of people who have stayed back in Bengaluru. We are coming here with a mix of players. We are going to start four players in the starting XI who have played most of the season with the second team (BFC B).

Cuadrat, who will be hoping to end Bengaluru’s winless run away from home after three losses and a draw in their last four trips, said three second-team players will also start on the bench.

“We have the privilege because we are for sure going to finish first in the league. We are not fighting for second or third anymore. We have left some players to save them travel and avoid injuries. It’s a chance for us to give the fringe players an opportunity,” said Cuadrat. 

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Team News

Jamshedpur FC

The Men of Steel will be without Raju Gaikwad, who reportedly has viral fever. Tim Cahill is expected to make a cameo appearance.

Bengaluru FC

Erik Paartalu is out for the season due to injury.

Probable Lineups

Jamshedpur FC

Subrata (GK), Tiri, Augustine, Gurung, Dhananchandra, Arques, Memo, Cidoncha, Morgado, Soosairaj, Passi.

Bengaluru FC

Sandhu (GK), Serran, Juanan, Rino, Bheke, Delgado, Khabra, Udanta, Xisco, Chhetri, Miku.

Did You Know?

• Jamshedpur has again finished 5th just like last season.

• Bengaluru will again top the table. They became the 1st side to secure a top of the table finish for 2 seasons in ISL history.

• Bengaluru has scored most goals by any side via through balls (6).

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Broadcast

The match will kick-off at 7:30 PM (27th February), at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. It will be broadcasted live via Star Sports, and streamed via Hotstar and Jio TV.