Bengaluru travel to Jamshedpur in search of first victory of season

The Men of Steel will look to continue their perfect form as they welcome the Blues to the Furnace.

Jamshedpur FC have started their Indian Super League 2019/20 season on the best note possible, winning both the opening games against newbies Odisha FC and Hyderabad FC. However, the next run of fixtures for the Men of Steel are quite challenging, as defending champions Bengaluru come calling.

In a contrasting start to their next opponents, Carles Cuadrat’s men have undergone a rocky beginning, with two draws in their opening couple of games against NorthEast United FC and FC Goa. Failure to win either of those two games would have definitely dampened BFC's spirits, as they are accustomed to success and are expected to win every time they take the field.

The upcoming fixture is an exciting prospect for both teams, as one side would look to ride on their confident start to the league, while the other would be looking to finally register their first victory of the season.

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The Stakes

Jamshedpur FC

Antonio Iriondo has got his side playing some brilliant attacking football and the Spanish flair is in full flow for the Men of Steel. They are currently on the top of the league standings, after notching their second consecutive win and are the only team yet to drop points.

They will look to keep their perfect start intact. A third victory at the cost of the defending champions would be a massive statement to the rest of the teams by Jamshedpur.

Bengaluru FC

The pressure is mounting on the Spanish tactician to finally start delivering. The reigning ISL champions are still in search of their first victory and have looked a shadow of their former selves. The next fixture becomes a must-win for the side, as anything apart from three points will stack heavy odds against Bengaluru.

Team News

Jamshedpur FC

Antonio Iriondo would not like to make any changes to the playing XI that comfortably stepped all over Hyderabad. The side is a settled unit without any injury scares apart from Amarjit Singh Kiyam, who still remains on the sidelines. Bikash Jairu could also make a return after serving his suspension.

Bengaluru FC

Erik Paartalu and Albert Serran will most probably be unavailable for the upcoming clash owing to fitness issues. Carles Cuadrat could more or less stick with the same lineup that faced the Gaurs in the previous fixture and continue to put faith in Ashique Kuruniyan at left-back.

Head-To-Head

Jamshedpur FC are leading the head-to-head record, as out of four overall meetings between the two, they have defeated Bengaluru FC on two occasions, lost one and drew one. The last meeting turned out to be a nightmare for BFC, as they succumbed to a 5-1 defeat to the Men of Steel.

Man To Watch

Sergio Castel (Jamshedpur FC)

The new recruit from Atletico Madrid ‘B’ has begun his life in the ISL on the best note possible. Sergio Castel scored in both the opening games for his new employers and the 24-year-old will again be the main threat going forward. The Spaniard’s pace, tenacity and positioning make him a tricky operator. He will now be looking to add more to his tally of two goals.

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

Despite the lukewarm start to the campaign from the skipper, one just cannot overlook Sunil Chhetri. The highest Indian scorer in the ISL will be itching to get his name on the scoring charts and his tactical maturity and quality in the final third still make him a dangerous figure for the opposition.

Probable Lineups

Jamshedpur FC: Subrata (GK), Tiri (C), Memo, Keegan, Gurung; Monroy, Piti, Isaac, Mobashir, Farukh; Castel.

Bengaluru FC: Sandhu (GK), Kuruniyan, Rahul, Juanan, Nishu; Harmanjot, Dimas, Augusto; Udanta, Chhetri (C); Onwu.

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Did You Know?

• Jamshedpur FC have won their opening two games of the season for the first time after beating Hyderabad FC.
• Bengaluru custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was once a trainee at the famous Tata Football Academy in Jamshedpur.
• With 30 goals to his name, Sunil Chhetri is the leading Indian scorer in the ISL.

Broadcast

The match between Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC is set to be telecast live on Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD. It will also be streamed live on Hotstar and Jio TV. Kick-off is set for 7:30 PM on Sunday, 3 November 2019.