Jamshedpur FC Vs ATKMB Preview: Mariners eye fourth win in a row

The Men of Steel are yet to register a win this season.

After consecutive draws in the Indian Super League (ISL), Jamshedpur FC are set to face high-flying ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) in the upcoming game. It has been a difficult start for the Men of Steel in the 2020-21 season, as they remain winless in their first three fixtures, something which Owen Coyle is looking to change. 

On the other hand, the Mariners have been unstoppable till now as they have maintained a 100% win record in the league so far. While Antonio Lopez Habas has a few injury concerns for key players, it will be fascinating to see if Jamshedpur FC can capitalize on it and eke out their first win of the season.

The Stakes

Anything other than a win against ATK Mohun Bagan for Jamshedpur FC will not suit them after their three-game winless run. Coyle will be determined to put up a good fight against the Mariners and stop their perfect start to the season. 

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In the last couple of games, Jamshedpur FC have looked very positive in their gameplay, especially in the attack. However, their problems lie in defence and if they don't sort it out it will be tough to contain Roy Krishna and co.

ATK Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, have had a perfect start but they have their fair share of problems. Players like Edu Garcia and David Williams are struggling with injuries and that has resulted in an overreliance on Roy Krishna to score goals and bail them out of tough situations. While the Fijian ace has kept his promise, it is not expected to be the same every day. It is high time for Indian players like Manvir Singh, Jayesh Rane and others to step up their game.

Team News

Jamshedpur FC will miss the likes of David Grande and John Fitzgerald as they are still out with injuries. However, Amarjit Singh Kiyam started against Hyderabad FC and will be available for the match against ATK Mohun Bagan as well. Narender Gahlot is still doubtful for this fixture. 

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Antonio Lopez Habas is set to miss out on Edu Garcia and David Williams and therefore the Spaniard may go with an unchanged starting lineup from the last game. 

Head-to-Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TnNUhn7rls

This will be the first encounter between ATKMB and Jamshedpur FC in ISL history. However, the erstwhile ATK had faced the Men of Steel six times over the last three seasons. Out of these six games, Jamshedpur FC had won one and ATK was victorious in three games, while two games finished as draws.

Probable Lineups

Jamshedpur FC: Pawan (GK); Renthlei, Eze, Hartley, Ricky; Mobashir, Monroy, Amarjit; Jackichand, Valskis, Lima. 

ATK Mohun Bagan: Arindam (GK); Kotal, Tiri, Jhingan; Prabir, Javi, Jayesh, McHugh, Bose; Manvir, Krishna.

Man To Watch

Nerijus Valskis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGH-dwPTw28&t=1s

The Lithuanian have shown no signs of slowing down from last season and will look to continue the same form against the Mariners. The striker has been Jamshedpur FC's main man in attack and is expected to continue to be in the upcoming game as well. Valskis will be up against one of the strongest defensive units in India and it will be fascinating to see how he finds his way out. 

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Roy Krishna

Just like Valskis, ATK Mohun Bagan are over reliant on Roy Krishna to score the goals. With Edu Garcia and David Williams out, the Fijian has taken the responsibility to bail his team out from tough situations. His late winner against Odisha FC is the testament to his strong mentality and exceptional goalscoring instincts. Krishna is a man in form and considering Jamshedpur FC's leaky defence, the fans can expect their talisman to be on the scoresheet yet again. 

Did You Know?

• ATK Mohun Bagan are the first team in ISL history to win the first three matches.  
• Roy Krishna has scored three goals in as many matches this season with his xG averaging only 0.910. Clinical.
• The match between Hyderabad FC and Jamshedpur FC saw 41 fouls being committed. It is the highest till now in ISL this season. 

Telecast

The live telecast of the match between Jamshedpur FC and ATKMB will be available 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.