Preview: Mixed feelings for Coyle as Jamshedpur FC face Chennaiyin FC

The head coach of the Men of Steel will face his former side in their season opener.

It will be a feisty affair when Jamshedpur FC go up against Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). as Owen Coyle faces his former employers.

However, with both sides making significant changes in management and personnel, it will be interesting to see how the new players gel together in such a short period of time. The Men of Steel will hope for a good start under Coyle this season, while Chennaiyin will also hope to begin with a win under their new coach, Csaba Laszlo. So, this duel will be interesting and will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

The Stakes

Jamshedpur FC have struggled to make it to the playoffs and last season was their worst performance in the ISL. So, the management decided to overhaul the squad and have appointed Owen Coyle to steer the ship to more successful shores in coming seasons. The Men of Steel also promoted several young players from their academy and are looking to build a long-term project under the Scotsman's tutelage.

ALSO READ: Owen Coyle: I wouldn’t say it’ll be an advantage to face my old team

Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC had a fascinating campaign, where they languished at the bottom of the table in the first half of the season and then Coyle's mid-season arrival, saw them turn into a completely different side which eventually lost to ATK in the final.

Now with Csaba Laszlo coming in, they have a new setup and a horde of new foreign players, who will look to adapt on Indian soil for the first few games. However, their strong Indian core of players like Anirudh Thapa, Dhanpal Ganesh, Edwin Vanspaul and others will give the Marina Machans a boost ahead of a tough season.

ALSO READ: Csaba Laszlo: We lost some players but it won’t affect our game much

Team News

Owen Coyle admitted that there were injury concerns to some of the players, but the Scotsman did not disclose names ahead of the match. However, players like Nicholas Fitzgerald and Stephen Eze, who have arrived late and have had only a few training sessions are doubtful for the season opener.

Just like his counterpart, Laszlo also pondered upon the challenges of playing in a bubble and also with a short pre-season which often leads to injuries. However, he did not open up about the players who are doubtful for this game. But, by the looks of it, there will be some absentees from the season opener from both sides.

Head-to-Head

Both, Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC have faced each other only six times, with Chennaiyin edging their counterparts with two wins while three encounters have ended in a draw, leaving only one win for the Men of Steel. It has not been a good fixture for Jamshedpur FC over the years and they will hope to improve on their record this season.

https://youtu.be/Ojp0d4k8Ldw

Probable Lineup

Jamshedpur FC: Rehenesh; Renthlei, Gahlot, Hartley, Ricky; Jackichand, Amarjit, Monroy, Lima; Grande, Valskis.

Chennaiyin FC: Kaith, Reagan, Sipovic, Sabia, Jerry; Vanspaul, Thapa; Chhangte, Crivellaro, Fatkhulloev; Goncalves.

Man to Watch

Nerijus Valskis

https://youtu.be/rGH-dwPTw28

The Golden Boot winner from last season will be eager to face his former employers in the season opener. Valskis scored 15 goals last campaign, along with six assists and if he wants to succeed in India again with Jamshedpur, he will have to repeat that feat or maybe even better it.

The big Lithuanian is a natural goalscorer who likes to drop deep and facilitate other players in attack as well. Valskis' instinct to find space in between the opposition's defence makes him a threat in the final third, something which will keep the Chennaiyin FC defenders on their toes.

Anirudh Thapa

Sublime with the ball and industrious without it, Thapa has qualities which very few Indian players from the current generation can boast. The India international has been immense over the years for the Marina Machans and yet again the onus is on the 22-year-old to control things in the middle of the park and allow someone like Rafael Crivellaro to play freely.

He has that natural tenacity and works very hard on the pitch. When the situation arises, he can also play some exquisite passes piercing the opposition's defence.

Did You Know?

• Jamshedpur have not won this fixture since their last victory in November 2018.
• Jamshedpur's new foreign midfielder Alex Lima has plied his trade across four continents. A true journeyman!
• Chennaiyin FC skipper Rafael Crivellaro had the most number of key passes last season (42).

Telecast

The match between Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin 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.