Preview: Can Jamshedpur deliver Mumbai City a big upset?

The Men of Steel have little chance of making it to the playoffs and they will go all-out against the Islanders.

With qualification for Indian Super League playoffs at stake, it is a must-win fixture for Jamshedpur FC whereas Mumbai City are in search of lost form as they aim to get back to winning ways. Both sides are desperate for three points as Owen Coyle's men are hanging on to their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. However, it is the top spot at stake for the Islanders and Sergio Lobera.

The Stakes

Anything other than victory will end Jamshedpur FC's hopes of qualification. Therefore, the Men of Steel will have to impose themselves and put the Islanders under pressure right from the start. At the same hand, winning this match does not guarantee anything for Owen Coyle's men, but it undoubtedly allows them to live to fight for another day.

While there were hopes of playoffs after the win against Odisha FC, the narrow defeat against ATK Mohun Bagan somewhat dented their spirits and pegged them back in the race. Now, a lot of things depend on their next two matches and also on other results.

For Mumbai City FC, it is more about getting back to winning ways. They suffered a thumping 4-2 defeat against Bengaluru FC in their last match and that may have taken the wind out of their sails. Therefore, a win here against Jamshedpur FC will rejuvenate the morale of the team and will also put them back in the fight for the top spot against ATKMB.

Team News

One major change which may happen for Jamshedpur FC is that Nerijus Valskis may start ahead of David Grande. Owen Coyle more or less has a fit roster ahead of the match.

Mumbai City FC will miss their talisman Hugo Boumous who is suspended and just like the last match, Cy Goddard is expected to slot in and compliment Adam le Fondre upfront.

Head-to-Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwETIu1ZNC4

Both, Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC have faced each other in the ISL a total of seven times including the reverse fixture this season. In those seven outings, only two have ended in a draw and Jamshedpur FC have won it thrice.

Probable Lineups

Jamshedpur FC: Rehenesh (GK); Renthlei, Eze, Hartley, Ricky; Doungel, Monroy, Alex, Farukh; William, Valskis

Mumbai City FC: Amrinder (GK); Amey, Fall, Hernan, Mandar; Rowllin, Jahouh; Goddard, Raynier, Bipin; Le Fondre

Man to Watch

Nerijus Valskis (Jamshedpur FC)

The Lithuanian forward has the capability of turning the complexion of any game. Valskis will be looking to get back to the starting XI and also the scoresheet. His form and fitness in recent matches have been a concern for Owen Coyle, but there is no denying that he has been the main man for the Men of Steel this season.

Last time these two sides met in the reverse fixture, Valskis opened the scoring within the opening 10 minutes of the match. He is someone who enjoys big occasions. That's why, he is the player that Coyle will rely on when it comes to scoring goals.

Adam le Fondre (Mumbai City FC)

Just like Valskis, Le Fondre has been a talismanic figure upfront for the Islanders. However, with 11 goals, the Englishman has been more consistent than his Lithuanian counterpart. The former Reading man is someone who likes getting involved in attacking buildups and create space for his teammates.

However, when the chance comes, he does not shy away from being at the right spot in the penalty area. Even in the defeat against Bengaluru FC, the 34-year-old scored a brace which was probably the only comforting fact for Sergio Lobera from that match.

Did You Know?

• Mumbai City FC are unbeaten against Jamshedpur FC in their last three ISL fixtures. (Two wins and a draw)
• Jamshedpur FC have never managed to score more than two goals against the Islanders.
• Mumbai City FC have faced 19 shots on target in their last three matches. They faced only 18 in the first eight matches of this season.

Telecast

The match between Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC is set to be telecast live on Star Sports 1 SD & HD. It will also be live on 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.