Preview: Jamshedpur FC, Odisha FC lock horns in Sunday fiesta

Both sides are yet to open their account in the Indian Super League this season.

Despite losing the first match against Chennaiyin FC, Owen Coyle's Jamshedpur FC will be eager to bounce back against Odisha FC in the Indian Super League. As for Odisha FC, the stakes are no different than Jamshedpur, as Stuart Baxter's side are coming to this game on the back of a defeat and would like to change their fortunes with a win against the Men of Steel. 

Here is a detailed preview of the game.

The Stakes

Jamshedpur FC

After a disappointing campaign, Jamshedpur FC made multiple changes to the side and appointed Owen Coyle, who was the architect of the turnaround that Chennaiyin FC had last season. Along with Coyle, they have secured the services of new foreign players which also include last season's Golden Boot winner Nerijus Valskis. 

Although the start for Coyle was not the best against his former side, Chennaiyin FC in the previous game, however, the Scotsman will look to improve against Odisha FC in their second game. The Men of Steel created enough chances to win the game but they weren't clinical enough and it is an area where they need to work on. 

Odisha FC

Meanwhile, Odisha FC finished sixth last season, four points off playoff qualification. However, they roped in a new head coach in Stuart Baxter along with several new foreign players. While Manuel Onwu and Marcelinho are familiar names in India, players like Steven Taylor, Mauricio, Cole Alexander and Jacob Tratt were also added to the roster. 

Baxter's men lost the first game against Hyderabad FC as the English tactician had limited options to choose from. Players like Vinit Rai, Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Cole Alexander did not feature in the opening game due to injury and lack of match fitness. Baxter will hope to have the full Odisha FC squad at his disposal ahead of the fixture against Jamshedpur FC. 

Team News

Jamshedpur FC

There are doubts over Peter Hartley's injury concerns which he succumbed in the first match and was immediately subbed off. It will be interesting to see if he makes into the squad against Odisha FC.  While Coyle will hope that players like Aniket Jadhav, David Grande and Amarjit Singh returns to full fitness so that he can have his full roster for this fixture. 

Odisha FC

Odisha FC head coach Stuart Baxter missed several players in the first match but some of them are expected to start against Jamshedpur. The Juggernauts struggled to control the game against Hyderabad and someone like Vinit will be crucial to their overplay game. While Baxter will hope that even Alexander and Jerry make it to the lineup. 

Head to head

https://youtu.be/tstOurg2-CY

Both sides have faced each other only six times in ISL history, as Jamshedpur FC hold the strong record of four wins while Odisha FC have won only once with the other game ending in a draw. However, in their last meeting in December last year, Odisha emerged 2-1 winner over Jamshedpur FC. 

Man To Watch

Jackichand Singh

The winger showed his class in the very first match of the season for the Men of Steel as Valskis scored the only goal from his pinpoint cross. Jackichand will look to combine more with the likes of Valskis and Lima in the final third, while his whipping crosses in the box will be a huge threat for the Odisha FC defenders. 

Manuel Onwu

Onwu's short but impressive loan stint last season earned him a contract as he is vested with the responsibility of scoring goals. The Spaniard scored seven goals along with two assists in four appearances for Odisha FC last season. While the start to the second stint has not been great but the 32-year old will look to make amends in the second game. His physical stature and aerial prowess make him a threat from set pieces while his ability to latch onto loose balls in the box makes him a great poacher as well.

Probable Lineups

Jamshedpur FC: Rehenesh (GK); Renthlei, Eze, Narender, Mandi; Amarjit, Monroy; Jackichand, Lima, Aniket; Valskis. 

Odisha FC: Arshdeep (GK); Sarangi, Taylor, Bora, Antonay; Vinit, Alexander; Nandhakumar, Marcelinho, Mauricio; Onwu.

ALSO READ: Preview: Kerala Blasters take on buoyant Chennaiyin in search of first win

Telecast

The match will 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.

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