Preview: Jamshedpur, Bengaluru look to end campaign on a high

Both teams are already out of the playoffs race and will just look to make fans happy on Thursday.

In a battle for pride, both Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC will look to end their Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 season on a high by winning their last match. 

Both teams have no chance of qualifying for the playoffs, which makes this match very much a dead-rubber. However, you may call that in the context of the playoffs but be pretty sure that both teams will step onto the field with the motive of winning the match. 

The Stakes

As already mentioned, both teams have nothing to lose in this match, but they will still look to finish their season on a high note. Also, Bengaluru FC will look to win and finish higher in the league table than the Men of Steel, so that can be a motivation for the Blues coming into this match. 

Jamshedpur FC probably played their best match against Mumbai City, where they dominated and outclassed Sergio Lobera's men. However, Owen Coyle will feels that they are a little too late, as the boat for the playoffs has already sailed. While Jamshedpur were in the playoffs spots going into the winter break, they never returned as the same team in the next two weeks, which was the phase which pegged them back in the race for the top four. 

While the Men of Steel were always in the hunt, Bengaluru FC had a poor season according to their standards. Firstly with Carles Cuadrat parting ways and then Naushad Moosa taking over, things have been topsy-turvy for the Blues. They have had some moments where they have played exceptional football and also others were they have been very poor. 

However, Moosa has given game-time to a lot of youngsters, who have only grown in stature by playing the last couple of matches and will offer more to the team in the coming seasons. While the 4-2 win against the Islanders was a statement of intent from Sunil Chhetri and his men, it also proves that they will not back down in their last match against Jamshedpur FC. 

Team News

Nerijus Valskis is suspended for the Men of Steel, but other than him Coyle will have the full roster at his disposal. Spanish forward David Grande who scored against the Islanders is likely to replace the Lithuanian. 

Naushad Moosa will have a relatively fit roster at his disposal for this match. He is very likely to continue giving game-time to the youngsters as they may have more points to prove going ahead.

Head-to-Head

https://youtu.be/QxZ9cF81Fyc

Both the teams, Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC have played each other seven times in ISL history. In which the Men of Steel hold the upper hand with three wins while Bengaluru FC have won twice. The other two fixtures ended in draws. Earlier this season, Jamshedpur FC edged the Blues in the reverse fixture this season as Stephen Eze scored the solitary goal.

Predicted Lineups

Jamshedpur FC: Rehenesh (GK); Renthlei, Eze, Hartley, Ricky; Len, Farukh, Alex, Monroy; William, Grande. 

Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet (GK); Shrivas, Bheke, Gonzalez, Ashique; Udanta, Xisco, Paartalu; Suresh, Chhetri, Cleiton. 

Players to watch

Farukh Choudhury (Jamshedpur FC)

Ever since returning to Jamshedpur FC, Farukh Choudhury has given this team a different dimension in attack, along with Seiminlen Doungel. Farukh is someone who will always move around look for openings and try and get in behind the opposition defenders. The 24-year old may not have set the stage on fire after joining the Men of Steel, but his performances has made a considerable difference in securing results. 

The former Mumbai City man was exceptional against his former side and played a very pivotal role in Jamshedpur FC's 2-0 win over the Islanders. Owen Coyle allows him to play with freedom which he relishes. Therefore, he roams around the final third and often pulls of defenders creating space for Valskis and others. He will be a threat for the Blues in the upcoming fixture. 

Cleiton Silva (Bengaluru FC)

The most consistent performer for Bengaluru FC in their most underwhelming season. Cleiton has added that Brazilian panache in Bengaluru's game and with a better foreign striker, he would have had a lot more assists. The 34-year old gradually developed a bond with Sunil Chhetri and the duo have been finding the back of the net in recent fixtures. 

With seven goals and four assists in his first season in India, Cleiton Silva has proven his mettle. Once Bengaluru FC get back to where they belong, the Brazilian will be an asset for them. Cleiton has the ability to both score and even create chances and he will be the one to watch out for in this fixture. 

Did You Know?

• Although it has been a poor campaign for them, this was also the first time when Bengaluru FC scored four goals in two matches of a single ISL season. (against Mumbai City and Kerala Blasters)
• Jamshedpur FC defender Stephen Eze leads the charts for most Interceptions till now in this season (56).
• Aitor Monroy has created 21 chances from set-plays this season, which is the highest in the league. 

Telecast

The match between Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC is set to be telecast live on Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD (English), Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3 and several other regional languages. Live streaming of the match will be available on Hotstar and Jio TV.