Jamshedpur Vs Goa Preview: Can Men of Steel topple Gaurs?

The last season's league-leaders are coming on the back of two consecutive defeats.

Jamshedpur FC play host to FC Goa in their next Indian Super League fixture. The Men of Steel have gone on a six-match unbeaten run after their defeat against Chennaiyin FC in the first match. Whereas, FC Goa are coming into this game on the back of two consecutive defeats. 

Juan Ferrando's men were beaten by ATK Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC in their last two matches. Against Jamshedpur FC, Igor Angulo and Co. will look to get their season back on track. Owen Coyle has also found the right combination among his ranks and the results have just started coming after they ended NorthEast United's unbeaten run in the last match with a narrow 1-0 win. The Men of Steel will hope that they can keep up that level of performance against FC Goa. 

The Stakes

The Gaurs have had their phases this season. Sometimes they play mesmerising football with the likes of Brandon Fernandes, Jorge Ortiz and Igor Angulo combining and producing magic. While at others, they are simply sloppy in defence. FC Goa's backline was carved open by Chennaiyin multiple times, which proves that their defensive organization is not solid yet. 

Juan Ferrando needs to get the balance right in his starting XI to counter what Jamshedpur will throw at them. If the Gaurs want to win, they will have to control the midfield and create a proper supply line for Angulo upfront, something which has been missing in the last two games. 

Owen Coyle, on the other hand, will look to neutralize the way FC Goa play and he will be delighted that his main man in midfield Aitor Monroy returns from suspension for this game. One thing which has been a huge positive for the Men of Steel is that their Indian youngsters have stepped up and taken responsibility this season. Mobashir Rahman has been brilliant in the middle of the park, while Aniket Jadhav has shown his talent by scoring the winner in the last match. Players like Laldinliana Renthlei, William Lalnunfela and so on have all helped them progress forward. 

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Team News

Jamshedpur FC's persisting injury concerns remain as players like David Grande, Nicolas Fitzgerald, Joyner Lourenco and Narender Gahlot are nursing from long-term problems. However, Monroy will return in the heart of the midfield after serving his suspension. 

FC Goa do not have any major injury concerns, but Ferrando will have to bring back Ivan Gonzalez in defence as Aiban Dohling has looked shaky in the last couple of games. The Spaniard adds solidity to their backline, something which they will need against a prolific striker like Nerijus Valskis. 

Head-to-Head

https://youtu.be/GZH5DciTnbc

Both, Jamshedpur FC and FC Goa have played each other six times in the ISL. The Gaurs have had a slight edge with 3 wins under their belt while the Men of Steel have also won a couple with the other fixture ending in a draw.

The last time both sides met was on February this year in the last season and Goa ran riot beating Jamshedpur 5-0.

Probable Lineups

Jamshedpur FC: TP Rehenesh; Renthlei, Eze, Hartley, Ricky; Mobashir, Monroy, Lima; Jackichand, Valskis, Aniket. 

FC Goa: Nawaz; Seriton, Ivan, Donachie, Gama; Lenny: Romario, Bedia, Brandon, Ortiz ; Angulo.

ALSO READ: Indian Super League 2020-21: Five things we learned in Gameweek 7

Man to Watch

Jackichand Singh (Jamshedpur FC)

While Valskis has been hogging all the limelight with his goals, Jackichand Singh has been doing his work in the background diligently. The former Royal Wahingdoh winger was used in the No. 10 role in the last match and came up with an assist for Aniket Jadhav, which turned out to be the winning goal. 

The 28-year old is mindful of the responsibility that he bears on his shoulders and has already notched up three assists this season. While playing against his former side, Jackichand will like to prove a point or two.  

Jorge Ortiz Mendoza (FC Goa)

The only other goalscorer for FC Goa apart from Angulo this season. Jorge Ortiz is someone who can change the whole complexion of the game with his exceptional movement and quick feet in the final third. The 28-year old has a great understanding with his compatriot upfront, as they like to feed off each other during attacking build-ups. Ortiz has been in goalscoring form recently and could be a major problem for the Men of Steel’s backline. 

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Did You Know?

• Igor Angulo has the lowest minutes-to-goals ratio in the ISL, as he has scored a goal every 100 minutes. Valskis is in second position, scoring one every 105 minutes. 
• Jamshedpur FC are the only side in the ISL this season to have received three red cards (Rehenesh, Renthlei and Monroy).
• The Men of Steel have put in the most number of crosses (121) so far, while FC Goa are second with 108. 

Telecast

The match between Jamshedpur FC and FC Goa will be 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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