Preview: Jamshedpur FC, Odisha FC look to start afresh in first clash of season

The Juggernauts last defeated the Men of Steel in the 2019-20 season under Josep Gombau.

Two neighbouring states with very much cultural similarities and sharing borders will be against each other on October 11. The game between Jamshedpur FC and Odisha FC will mark their beginning to the ISL 2022-23 season. 

It'll be a homecoming for the Men of Steel among the fans after winning the League Shield. Meanwhile, Odisha FC will look to spoil the moment at the Furnace. Whosoever comes out at top in the end, the game will be a feast for the fans.

The Stakes

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC will kick off their title defending season with this game. They would want to make a statement with a commanding win. The league has seen enough one season wonders and Aidy Boothroyd's boys have the job to build up on the work done by former coach Owen Coyle. The season is going to be a crucial one for the Reds to establish themselves among the big teams of the league.

The club has seen some important players shifting base. The list includes stalwart Greg Stewart and young prodigies Mobashir Rahman and Narender Gahlot. But the management have managed to retain the core of the team with some fine recruitments. So it'll be a ground check for the team that looks more balanced on paper than last season.

Odisha FC

With majestic Josep Gombau on board again, Odisha FC are hoping to change their fate in this edition of the ISL. Last season was below average for the Juggernauts and they failed to impress in the season prior to that as well. 

Their inaugural 2019-20 season under Josep Gombau is still the best position they have attained in the league. It's now time for them to make a statement to other teams and put up some real challenge for playoffs. Although they might not be favourites against Jamshedpur at the Furnace, the game is equally important for them as well.

Team News

Both the teams have no injuries and all the players are available for selection.

Head-to-Head

In the six meetings between the sides, Jamshedpur FC have won four of them compared to a lone win of Odisha, which actually came under current coach Josep Gombau. One outing ended in a draw between the sides.

Probable Line-Ups

Jamshedpur FC : Rehenesh TP (GK), Laldinliana Renthlei, Peter Hartley, Pratik Chaudhari, Ricky Lallawmawma, Ritwik Das, Jitendra Singh, Wellington Priori, Boris Singh, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Daniel Chima

Odisha FC: Lalthuammawia Ralte (GK), Sebastian Thangmuansang, Narender Gahlot, Carlos Delgado, Sahil Panwar, Osama Malik, Saul Crespo, Raynier Fernandes, Nandhakumar, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Diego Mauricio

Man to watch 

Daniel Chima (Jamshedpur FC)

Jamshedpur FC fans must be delighted about the contract renewal of influential forward Daniel Chima Chukwu. The Nigerian is the only foreigner in Jamshedpur FC history to get a contract extension of two years. Chima ended the previous season with seven goals for the club and overall nine in the league.

The fortunes of the team turned when the former Molde forward joined the Men of Steel from East Bengal in the winter transfer window. The management have again trusted the attacker to show his poacher instincts and deliver a bagful of goals.

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

Odisha FC have gone with the mindset of recruiting ISL experienced players. The decision to bring in their former forward Diego Mauricio must have been pleasing for the fans. And they must be hoping for him to deliver a similar performance from the 2020-21 season where he scored 12 goals.

Mauricio is coming off a great AFC Champions League spell with Mumbai City FC. The Brazilian has put up amazing numbers against Jamshedpur FC in the past and certainly will be the main man for Odisha FC in the opening game.

Did You Know?

• Jamshedpur FC and Odisha FC are yet to play a goalless game against each other.
• Josep Gombau is the only Odisha FC manager to win against Jamshedpur FC.
• Daniel Chima is the only foreigner to get a two-year contract extension at Jamshedpur FC.

Telecast

The match between Jamshedpur FC and Odisha FC will take place at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur on October 11 (Tuesday). The kick-off time is 7:30 pm IST. The match will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match.