JFC vs KBFC: 3 key battles that could decide outcome of semi-final clash

The Men of Steel will lock horns with the Yellow Army in the first playoff game of this season on Friday.

After a league full of ifs and buts, we are into the semi-finals of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22. Fourth-placed Kerala Blasters will take on the League Shield winners Jamshedpur FC in the first of two-legged playoffs. Both clubs will be vying to make the most out of this playoffs tie and get themself a step closer to their first league title.

Owen Coyle’s Men of Steel have been the underdogs this season. Whereas, Ivan Vukomanović’s Blasters have finally delivered on the boatloads of hype, expectations and promise the fans had over the past four years. As we know, fine tactical battles rule modern football, it’ll be a key factor to watch out for between the coaches.

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Both Jamshedpur FC and Kerala Blasters have been playing eye-catching attacking football, with blazing forwards in their arsenal. There will be mini duels all over the pitch between the quality sides. Here are the three key battles that could decide the outcome of the match.

3. Peter Hartley Vs Alvaro Vazquez

In all likelihood, Alvaro Vazquez will play more centrally to allow Adrian Luna and Sahal Abdul Samad to drift inside. The Spanish striker is the highest-scorer for Blasters this season. Alvaro attempts 3.2 shots per game and we are well aware of the threat he possesses from both close and long-range.

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The forward will face a stiff test against Peter Hartley, who has hit his best form towards the business end. The Jamshedpur captain averages 3.1 clearances and has four clean-sheets. He gets dribbled past just once in five games, which is an astonishing figure for a centre-back. 

The English defender never hesitates to move up the pitch and it will be something Alvaro will look to exploit against him. Vazquez believes in high pressing and winning 50-50 balls, as he averages 0.7x possession win.

2. Greg Stewart Vs Puitea

Greg Stewart is favourite to win the Golden Ball with Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna. With 10 goals and as many assists in the league stage, the Scot has been the signing of the season. On the same note, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, commonly known as Puitea, has been the find of this season and will have the responsibility to keep the Jamshedpur No. 10 quiet.

Stewart starts from the middle of the park, thus intercepting the attacks there itself will nullify most of the threats. Puitea makes 1.9 successful tackles every game and has impressed with his positioning and movement. But, the youngster has to be careful while tackling in this game. A wrong tackle can result in a free-kick and Jamshedpur FC’s magician rarely misses a free-kick from a good position. 

1. Laldinliana Renthlei Vs Adrian Luna

The battle of the night will be on the left attacking flank for Kerala Blasters. Adrian Luna has undoubtedly been the orchestrator for his side. The captain scored five times, mostly screamers and assisted seven with five key passes to his name every game. He wins crucial balls and possesses exceptional ability to feed his teammates during counter-attacks. 

Luna mostly causes worries while playing in wider positions and it will be Jamshedpur FC’s emerging right-back Dinliana’s duty to stop him on the night. The young full-back has been the most consistent in his position over the last two years. He averages two successful tackles and one interception per game. He is the most trusted defender in Owen Coyle’s camp and has always been least likely to commit mistakes.

The duel between the two players will play a key role to restrict Kerala Blasters’ attacks.

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