Preview: FC Goa, Jamshedpur look to clinch maiden win of the campaign

The Gaurs faced with a defeat in their opening game whereas the Men of Steel drew against SC East Bengal.

Following a far from ideal campaign opener at the Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season, FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC will lock horns in search of a win on November 26. Both teams will be looking to bounce back from their previous fixtures and clinch their first three points in the league this term at the GMC Athletic Stadium on Friday evening.

FC Goa lost their campaign opener against Mumbai City, while Jamshedpur FC began with a draw against SC East Bengal. Both teams are yet to register their first wins of the season, which promises a high-voltage match between the two parties.

The Stakes

FC Goa

The Gaurs did not expect a 3-0 drubbing against Mumbai City to begin their league campaign. Goa created very few goalscoring chances and their midfielders looked out of tandem at times. Out of eight shots, only one found its way to the target for FC Goa and they also committed many fouls (17).

FC Goa were shown three yellow cards, including their skipper Edu Bedia. Juan Ferrando has perhaps got a glimpse of the condition of his players and the places in which they need to improve. Needless to say, the Gaurs will be aiming to get the most out of their match against Jamshedpur FC.

Jamshedpur FC

The Men of Steel's opening game in ISL 2021-22 resulted in a 1-1 draw against SC East Bengal. Their defensive third looked impressive with Eli Sabia partnering well with skipper Peter Hartley. The team functioned skillfully after conceding the first goal. The most surprising aspect was the lack of goals as an attacking unit comprising Nerijus Valskis, Jordan Murray, Greg Stewart and Ishan Pandita failed to find the back of the nets.

Although the Men of Steel created chances, they were deprived of the victory. Owen Coyle is tactically sound and will be shaping his team in order to win against the Gaurs.

Team News

FC Goa have some injury concerns. Brandon Fernandes, Redeem Tlang and Muhammed Nemil are injured and are currently recuperating.

Jamshedpur FC have two injuries in their squad. Jordan Murray has a groin injury and Greg Stewart has a thigh problem. They did not start in their previous encounter and came on as substitutes. A similar move remains on the cards while facing FC Goa.

Head-to-Head

Since Jamshedpur FC’s inclusion in the Indian Super League in 2017-18, the two teams have faced each other eight times. Out of those eight meetings, five have been won by FC Goa while Jamshedpur have managed to register only two victories. The remaining game ended in a draw.

The last time these two teams met, the result went in favour of the Gaurs (3-0) with Jorge Ortiz scoring a brace. Added to that, Jamshedpur FC's Alex Lima was also given the marching orders on the 85th minute.

Probable Lineups

FC Goa (4-2-3-1): Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem (GK), Seriton Fernandes, Lalmangaihsanga (Papuia), Ivan Gonzalez, Sanson Pereira, Edu Bedia, Glan Martins, Alexander Romario Jesuraj, Alberto Noguera, Saviour Gama, Airam Cabrera.

Jamshedpur FC (4-3-3): TP Rehenesh(GK) , Laldinliana Renthlei, Eli Sabia, Peter Hartley, Ricky Lallawmawma, Jitendra Singh, Pronay Halder, Alex Lima, Seminlen Doungel, Boris Singh Thangjam, Nerijus Valskis.

Man to Watch

Jorge Ortiz (FC Goa)

Jorge Ortiz has returned from his injury and featured against Mumbai City FC. If Airam Cabrera fails to live up to the expectations, then maybe we can see Ortiz coming on in the second half. In the last meeting between the two sides, he scored a brace and his experience will be invaluable to the Gaurs.

Nerijus Valskis (Jamshedpur FC)

The Lithuanian is one of the most deadliest strikers in the ISL. Nerijus Valskis has scored 23 goals in 39 league appearances for Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC. He is yet to deliver goals this season but once he starts, he will certainly turn out to be a nightmare for the opposition.

Did you know?

• Edu Bedia is the longest-serving foreign player at FC Goa. This is the Spaniard’s fifth season at the club.
• Jamshedpur's Jordan Murray was the highest scorer of Kerala Blasters last season with seven goals to his name.
• The highest number of goals in this encounter has been five (twice). In February 2020, FC Goa defeated Jamshedpur FC 5-0. Before that, November 2018 saw Jamshedpur FC beat FC Goa 4-1.

Telecast

The match will be telecasted on the Star Sports Network. Apart from this, the game will also be streamed LIVE on Disney+Hotstar and JioTV. The kick-off is slated for 7:30 PM.

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