High-flying Jamshedpur FC turn hosts for wounded Hyderabad FC

The two sides come into the game with absolutely contrasting results and emotions from their previous fixtures.

Jamshedpur-Hyderabad sees a clash of teams going through contrasting emotions early on in the season. Hyderabad FC’s induction into the Indian Super League went absolutely unlike anything they might have anticipated. A humbling 5-0 defeat at the hands of ATK settled down any early-season excitement and gave the side a harsh reality-check. Marred by injuries as well, Phil Brown’s men now face Jamshedpur FC, a team that opened their account for the season with a sensational victory against heavy odds.

Antonio Iriondo’s life in in the ISL almost got off on the wrong foot, as his side played majority of the fixture against Odisha FC with 10-men, following Bikash Jairu’s early red card. However, the Men of Steel showed nerves of steel, dominated the lacklustre Odisha FC with fewer players on the field and went on to snatch all three points with a 2-1 victory.

On paper, JFC look strong favorites to win their second game of the campaign and home advantage will certainly play a part. The travelling and depleted Hyderabad FC will play their second consecutive away game and will be up against tough odds.

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The Stakes

Jamshedpur FC

Antonio Iriondo’s first game in-charge was eventful to say the least. The tactician believed in his players’ capabilities and stuck to attacking football even after being reduced to 10-men. Now, the Men of Steel have an opportunity to secure six points from their two opening games, which will prove to be a very strong start to the season.

Hyderabad FC

The campaign could not have started on a worse note for the newly-found club, with a thumping five-goal deficit defeat and on top of that, several players picking up injuries as well. The outfit must look to at least gain a point from this fixture, as two defeats in as many games will make it very tough for the team to bounce back. However, a victory could turn the tide and instill much needed confidence in the team.

Team News

Jamshedpur FC

Antonio Iriondo fielded a fresh-look side with several debutants in the previous fixture. Players like Piti, Aitor Monroy and Sergio Castel, who scored the winning goal, impressed in their first outing and will definitely start again. The team will be without the services of midfielder, Jairu who will be serving a suspension owing to the red card he received in the last match. He could be replaced by either Mobashir Rahman or new recruit in C.K. Vineeth. Amarjit Singh Kiyam continues to sit on the sidelines due to a fractured wrist.

Hyderabad FC

In a series of unfortunate events, Hyderabad lost Rafa Lopez early on to a thigh injury and as the game went on, Nikhil Poojary and Giles Barnes also looked to have picked up knocks and will now be racing against time to get to full match fitness. With Nestor Gordillo suspended till December, Phil Brown will have personnel issues to deal with.

Head-To-Head

In essence, Jamshedpur-Hyderabad will meet for the first time since the formerly known FC Pune City got disbanded, which led to the formation of Hyderabad FC. Out of the four games played between Jamshedpur and Pune City, the latter have won each of them with the last fixture ending in a 4-1 defeat for the Men of Steel.

Man To Watch

Sergio Castel (Jamshedpur FC)

The Spaniard scored a fabulous winner on his debut appearance in the ISL, since making the move from Atletico Madrid “B.” The 24-year-old is fast and has brilliant link-up playing ability. He will be the biggest threat to the three-man Hyderabad defence which leaked five goals against ATK.

Marcelinho (Hyderabad FC)

Phil Brown’s attacking plans are heavily dependent on Marcelinho, who is their best bet when it comes to being on the front foot. His skills on the ball and ability to dribble past defenders and find teammates, will prove crucial for any attacking opportunity to turn into a goal. However, the 32-year-old looked lacking in fitness against ATK, which could be a cause for worry.

Probable Lineups

Jamshedpur FC : Paul (GK); Joyner, Tiri, Keegan; Aniket, Noe, Monroy, Farukh, CK Vineeth, Piti; Castel.

Hyderabad FC : Kamaljit (GK); Kilgallon, Panwar, Gurtej; Adil, Marko, Ashish, Poojary, Marcelinho; Robin, Giles.

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Did You Know?

• Jamshedpur FC have never defeated FC Pune City, now known as Hyderabad FC, losing all four previous games.
• Subrata Paul holds the record for the most number of clean-sheets in the history of the ISL, with 24 shutouts in 71 outings.
• Out of seven foreign players on the roster, Jamshedpur have six Spaniards.

Broadcast

The match between Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad 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 Tuesday, 29 October 2019.