Jamshedpur host NorthEast United looking to maintain winning run

Three points for either side will elevate them to the top of the league standings.

Jamshedpur FC will turn hosts for NorthEast United FC on Monday in their upcoming Indian Super League fixture, where both teams will be gunning for all three points. Antonio Iriondo’s men caused a huge upset in their last game, when they defeated title favourites FC Goa in their own den. NorthEast United, on the other hand, played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Mumbai City FC, but should have won the game if they had capitalized on their chances. The Highlanders will come into this game with confidence and a belief of securing at least a point. They are also only the second team along with Bengaluru FC to remain undefeated in the league. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

The Stakes

Jamshedpur FC Jamshedpur FC have a decent chance of returning to the top of the league, if they secure a victory against Robert Jarni’s men. With a sensational victory against the Gaurs in their last game, the confidence levels must be high and the prospect of reaching the summit of the ISL will be a huge motivator. NorthEast United NorthEast United have had a decent away form and also have the chance to reach the top of the league standings, if they secure a victory at The Furnace. However, this could be a hard task since the Men of Steel are undefeated at home till now.

Team News

Jamshedpur FC The Men of Steel have been rather fortunate when it comes to team selection, with most of their players available and free of injuries. CK Vineeth started his first game last time around and would probably keep his place in the starting lineup after a decent showing. Narender Gahlot will also keep his place in the starting XI after his more than impressive display last time around. With Piti unlikely to be fit, Farukh Choudhary could again play in the No.10 role. Amarjit Singh Kiyam remains on the sidelines, recovering from a fractured wrist. NorthEast United Kai Heerings will be serving the second of his two-game suspension by the disciplinary authorities, after getting into a tussle with FC Goa players. Federico Gallego has started training with the team, but is yet to be introduced into the playing squad by the tactician. One can expect an unchanged or a very similar lineup to be fielded by the Croatian to that of the previous fixture in Guwahati.

Head-To-Head

Both NorthEast United and Jamshedpur are evenly-matched, which is also evident in their head-to-head record in the league. In total, of the four meetings between the two, three have been draws, while JFC have won the odd fixture. Their last clash ended in a goalless draw as well.

Men To Watch

Sergio Castel (Jamshedpur FC) Sergio Castel has embraced the ISL brilliantly and has performed sensationally in the first five games, scoring four vital goals; including the winner against the Gaurs last time around. The 24-year-old is showing all the signs of a complete striker, who is not only fast but also has a presence about him and can hold the ball upfront whenever required. He will be the main focus of Jamshedpur’s attack and the opposition defenders will know the threat that Castel brings to the table. The Spaniard will be hoping to notch another goal and be the first player to net five for the season. Asamoah Gyan (NorthEast United) Asamoah Gyan is, without a shadow of a doubt, the most important focal point for the Highlanders, who has also taken decent strides in the early stages of his ISL career. The 34-year-old has scored three times for his new employers and will look to add more to his tally. The forward was on the scoresheet in the last game as well and will be an obvious threat for the opposition, as his wealth of experience and prowess in aerial duels make him a tricky operator.

Probable Lineups

Jamshedpur FC Paul; Gurung, Memo, Tiri, Gahlot; Monroy, J.Singh, Vineeth, Farukh, Acosta; Castel. NorthEast United Subhasish; Tamang, Komorski, Pradhan, Reagan; Milan, Leudo, Triadis, Chaves, Tlang; Gyan. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Did You Know?

• While Jamshedpur FC are undefeated at home, NorthEast United are undefeated in the league this season.
• Both outfits have new signings leading their forward line in Sergio Castel and Asamoah Gyan.
• Subrata Paul holds the all-time record in the ISL with 26 clean sheets to his name, eight more than second-placed Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Broadcast The game will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network on Monday, 2 December 2019 with kick-off at 7:30 PM IST. It will also be streamed live on Hotstar and Jio TV.