Jamshedpur Vs Hyderabad Preview: Nizams in dire need of three points
The two teams had settled for a point each when the last time they met.
The last time Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad FC met was very early into the Indian Super League season and it was a very cagey encounter with both sides trying to cancel out each other. However, with the current scenario in place, the encounter will only get more feisty as the Men of Steel will be eager to break their losing streak with a win while Hyderabad FC will look to consolidate their spot in the playoffs with a positive result.
Jamshedpur FC enjoyed a long unbeaten run and then came the break completely putting them off the track. Since then, they have been on a three-match losing streak. Hyderabad FC, on the other hand, have evolved themselves with every game and hence, find themselves in the top four.
The Stakes
It looks like Owen Coyle was gradually building a palace and suddenly it has been reduced to rubble in a few days' time. Jamshedpur FC headed into the new year with a place in the top four and maintaining an unbeaten run. However, weeks later, they have looked like a shadow of themselves. With three consecutive defeats, the Men of Steel have put their playoffs qualification in jeopardy. The only way out from here is to win and reduce the deficit and build that positive momentum again as they are still within touching distance. Coyle will hope that the shift in momentum happens against the Nizams.
On the other hand, Manolo Marquez's men have gone from strength to strength with every passing game. However, at times, they become a tad bit inconsistent. They played an exceptional game against league leaders Mumbai City FC, but could only manage a draw. Thereafter, the Nizams faced wooden spooners Odisha FC and yet again could salvage only a point. Marquez will hope that he can put an end to his team's wasteful nature in front of goal and secure a crucial win against Jamshedpur FC.
Team News
Jamshedpur FC need a source of inspiration as they will hope to get back to winning ways after a bad run of games. New signing Seiminlen Doungel who has arrived from FC Goa on loan may feature against the Nizams. Meanwhile, Coyle may shuffle his pack a bit as he has players like David Grande and Nick Fitzgerald back to full fitness.
Manolo Marquez is still without Fran Sandaza and Nikhil Poojary due to injury concerns while Souvik Chakrabarti has returned home for personal reasons. Foreigners like Joao Victor and Joel Chianese are also unlikely to start as they have not attained full fitness. Hence, we may see Roland Alberg getting his first start in ISL.
Head-to-Head
Ever since their entry into the ISL in 2019, Hyderabad FC have played Jamshedpur thrice till now. Two of the matches including the reverse fixture from this season ended in draws while the Men of Steel hold the upper hand with a 3-1 win over the Nizams from last season.
Probable Lineups
Jamshedpur FC: Rehenesh, Narender, Eze, Hartley, Ricky, Monroy, Amarjit, Aniket, Lima, Isaac, Valskis.
Hyderabad FC: Kattimani, Rai, Chinglensana, Onaindia, Mishra, Hitesh, Sastre, Alberg, Narzary, Colaco, Santana.
Man to Watch
Nerijus Valskis (Jamshedpur FC)
The Lithuanian can be the usual suspect in here and his performance has been anything but ordinary this season. Valskis has shown tremendous tenacity to feature in each and every minute of the 12 games for Jamshedpur FC this season. It shows his commitment towards the badge and hunger to achieve more.
While he is far beyond than just goals, Valskis has bagged eight this season only one less than Igor Angulo who is leading the charts. He has multiple tricks up his sleeve and can be the general target man. He can hold the play up and create space for others or use his physicality to score from set-pieces. Moreover, he has also shown his ability to convert from freekicks after scoring a blinder against Kerala Blasters.
Halicharan Narzary (Hyderabad FC)
The former Kerala Blasters winger has re-established himself in Indian football this season under the tutelage of Manolo Marquez at Hyderabad FC. Narzary has been brilliant with his runs down the left channel and has also coordinated the attack well with the likes of Santana, Chianese and Liston Colaco. The 27-year-old has been the leader of the young Indian pack at the club and has led from the front with his stellar performances.
One area Narzary was always criticised before this season was his finishing. However, the winger from Assam has worked on that area and the improvement is for everyone to see. With four goals this season, the 26-year-old is currently the joint-leading Indian goalscorer alongwith Sunil Chhetri and Marquez will hope that he continues to add to his tally.
Did You Know?
- Aniket Jadhav scored for Jamshedpur FC in their last and only win against the Nizams last season. It was a 3-1 win for Jamshedpur FC.
- The Nizams have scored 12 goals out of their 16 in the second half which is the joint-highest in the league. They are tied with FC Goa at the top.
- Halicharan Narzary, earlier, had scored only twice in his ISL career, but this season in 12 matches, he has scored four already.
Telecast
The match between Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad 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 from 5:00 PM IST on Sunday. Live streaming of the match will also be available on Hotstar and Jio TV.
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