Preview: Hyderabad, Jamshedpur FC meet in top of the table clash

The reverse fixture between these two teams ended in a stalemate.

Two teams fighting for pole position will face each other in a clash of titans when Hyderabad FC take on Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday.

Hyderabad are sitting pretty at the top of the table, having qualified for the semifinals for the first time with two games in hand and 35 points in their kitty. Jamshedpur need one point to seal their maiden semi spot, having played 17 matches and with 34 points.

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad are assured of a last-four berth and Jamshedpur virtually sealed their place too. Consequently, it will be more about the top position in the league table and winning the League Shield. Jamshedpur have a game in hand and Owen Coyle would want his wards to make the most of it.

As far as Hyderabad are concerned, Ogbeche will again look to continue his stellar show and lead the line for Manolo Marquez's side. The last time the two teams met, the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Jamshedpur FC

The big worry for Coyle would be the unavailability of Greg Stewart. He picked up his fourth yellow card in the final moments of Jamshedpur's win over NorthEast United. Stewart has been involved in 54.5% of his team’s goals this season and will be sorely missed. The Scottish playmaker has been in fine form of late. He netted five goals and provided two assists in the last four matches.

Jamshedpur can only bow out if they lose all their remaining three games and Mumbai City FC lose against Kerala Blasters FC and win their final match of the season against Hyderabad. Both teams will then end up on 34 points and Mumbai will go through on head-to-head count.

"We are only thinking about facing Hyderabad FC. Like I have said before, we really need to focus on one game at a time because if you look too far ahead then you get punched in the nose in the sport of football. So we are going to be playing fantastic opponents, an outstanding team with great individual talents along with a terrific coach," said Coyle on the eve of the game.

Jitendra Singh is out for the game, and the coach will take last minute call on Boris Singh.

"Greg is also suspended and there are few others who will be missing. Jordan Murray might play for longer minutes which is good for us. But he is still not at his 100% yet, although he is getting better on a daily basis and there are others who have some niggles."

Team News

Hyderabad FC

The outfit will continue to miss Halicharan Narzary. It remains to be seen if Asish Rai makes the starting lineup after missing the previous game due to injury. There are no other major injury concerns. Sauvik Chakrabarti will miss the game after accumulating fouryellow cards and serving a suspension.

Jamshedpur FC

Greg Stewart is suspended after four yellow cards. Jitendra Singh, Komal Thatal and Farukh are out for an indefinite period due to injuries. Boris Singh and Peter Hartley are expected to be in the matchday squad. And final call will be made at the last minute regarding game time owing to their fitness.

Probable Lineups

Hyderabad FC: Laxmikant Kattimani (GK), Nim Dorjee, Juanan, Chinglensana Singh, Juanan, Akash Mishra, Joao Victor, Hitesh Sharma, Rohit Danu, Nikhil Poojary, Joel Chianese, Bartholomew Ogbeche.

Jamshedpur FC: TP Rehenesh (GK), Laldinliana Renthlei, Eli Sabia, Narender Gahlot, Ricky Lallawmawma, Pronay Halder, Mobashir Rahman, Seiminlen Doungel, Ritwik Das, Jordan Murray, Daniel Chima Chukwu.

Did You Know?

• Both Hyderabad FC and Jamshedpur FC had never qualified into the playoffs before this season.
• Bart Ogbeche has scored as many goals (17) as SC East Bengal and Chennaiyin FC alone.
• Apart from one JFC win, all other encounters between these two have ended in draws, including the reverse fixture.

Telecast

The match between Hyderabad FC and Jamshedpur FC will be played at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa on March 1 (Tuesday). It is slated to kick-off at 07:30 pm IST. Star Sports Network holds the telecast rights, while Disney+Hotstar and JIO TV will be live streaming the match.

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