Jamshedpur FC lock horns with Chennaiyin to keep home record intact

The hosts are yet to lose a game at home this season.

Jamshedpur FC have been a revelation since the beginning of the season. Antonio Iriondo has managed to instill his tactics well in the first season of his charge and the side with several new players have responded kindly. The outfit is yet to taste defeat at the JRD Tata Sports Complex and will be favorites on paper when Chennaiyin FC pay them a visit in the next Indian Super League fixture on Monday. While on the other hand, Chennaiyin FC’s start has been turbulent, leading to the sacking of former head coach John Gregory. The club promptly announced the appointment of former Bolton Wanderers manager, Owen Coyle, who will replace Gregory at the helm of the club. The 53-year-old has a tough first fixture and will hope to start his life in the ISL on a winning note. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

The Stakes

Jamshedpur FC

A victory for Jamshedpur FC against Chennaiyin FC would ensure them to be level on points with league leaders ATK and leapfrog second-placed Bengaluru FC. Their home form has been sensational where they are yet to be beaten. The 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC was a disappointing result last time around, and Antonio Iriondo must ensure his team takes advantage of their home support and get all three points.

Chennaiyin FC

It seems like the Marina Machans’ dismal form in the previous campaign has carried over to their current campaign, where they are second from bottom in the league standings, with only one victory to their name. With a new head coach leading the outfit, the squad must secure their second victory of the season, thereby lifting them up in the table. Three points will take them to sixth place in the points tally.

Team News

Jamshedpur FC

Antonio Iriondo will be hoping that his star-striker, Sergio Castel is fit enough to start the game, after he took a knock in the last game against NorthEast United and had to leave the pitch early. With Piti unlikely to be available due to a muscle injury, team selection could be a problem for the Spaniard. CK Vineeth could start on the left flank again after putting in a decent performance last time around.

Chennaiyin FC

Owen Coyle will have the benefit of choosing his first starting XI from a fully fit squad. Chennaiyin have fielded the same starting lineup in the past two fixtures, but it will be interesting to see how the Coyle sets up the team.

Head To Head

Both the outfits are quite evenly matched when it comes to their past encounters. Out of four total meetings, Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC have won one game each while other two have ended in draws. Their last meeting ended in a goalless draw.

Man To Watch

Farukh Choudhary (Jamshedpur FC)

Farukh Choudhary has been one of the best Indian performers in the league this season and has terrorized defenders with his pace and positioning. What sets him apart from other talents is the sheer amount of leg-work he puts in for the team, with constant tracking back to help the defence. His dangerous crosses from the flank are always dangerous and he has also thrived playing in the #10 role in the absence of Piti of late. With a goal and two assists to his name, he needs to add to his tally in a scenario where Sergio Castel in unfit to start.

Nerijus Valskis (Chennaiyin FC)

Out of the four goals Chennaiyin FC have scored, three have come from Nerijus Valskis. The 32-year-old Lithuanian was signed before the current campaign by the club from Hapoel Tel Aviv on a free transfer. The forward has the tendency to lead the lines using his presence and be a good target man, with decent ball holding capabilities up top. He will be the main threat and could also hurt the opposition thanks to his aerial prowess.

Probable Lineups

Jamshedpur FC

Subrata (GK); Tiri, Memo, Gurung, Gahlot; Monroy, Choudhary, J.Singh, Acosta, Vineeth; Castel

Chennaiyin FC

Kaith (GK); Vanspaul, Sabia, Goian, Singh; Saighani, Thapa, Crivellaro, Chhangte, Thoi; Valskis [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Did You Know?

• Jamshedpur FC are unbeaten at the JRD Tata Sports Complex this season.
• Chennaiyin FC have scored the least amount of goals (4) of all teams in the league as of yet.
• Both the outfits had drawn their respective last fixtures in the ISL.

Broadcast

The game will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network on Monday from 7:30 PM IST. It will also be streamed live on Hotstar and Jio TV.