Fifth placed Jamshedpur take their chances against second placed Kerala Blasters knowing that a win will close their gap with league leaders Hyderabad FC to one point.With the Nizams losing to ATK Mohun Bagan last night, the race for the ISL Winner's Shield becomes even more congested with as much as five teams involved.
JFC vs KBFC Match Details
When: Thursday, February 10th
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Where: GMC Athletic Stadium
JFC vs KBFC Match Preview
Jamshedpur FC's three game unbeaten run was ended by playoff rivals Bengaluru FC on Saturday when Sunil Chettri's goal and strikes from Cleiton Silva in the second half cut off an early minute from Daniel Chima opener to confirm a 3-1 loss for the Steelers. A win could have taken them into the last four spots but they were left with only disappointments. Owen Coyle admitted the result could had been different if the Red Miners managed to convert their shots on target at least in the first. However, the former Chennaiyin FC boss believes his team is up for the challenge of facing another playoff rival on the road. One signing that seem to be doing just fine is Daniel Chima who has now scored for back to back games after hitting the same number of goals in ten games for his previous club, SC East Bengal. Coyle has also praised his chemistry that is building slowly with the club's in-form creator Greg Stewart in attack. Peter Hartley is back in defense so Jamshedpur are strengthened at the back to face a motivated Kerala Blasters but are in urge for their forwards to start firing all cylinders with the league already in it's business end of the season.
Kerala Blasters were able to shake off their Covid struggles and after a painful defeat to Bengaluru FC returned back to their winning ways with a 2-1 win over bottom placed Northeast United. The whole story of the match circled around Alvaro Vazquez's more than 35 yard screamer that left the Highlanders keeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury startled. It was the Tusker's second goal of the evening after Jorge Pererya's close range header opened the scoring. Mohammed Irshad last minute goal turned out to be a mere consolation. The victory put Ivan Vukomanovic's men within touching distance of the first spot. They have a chance now to gather the same number of points as league leaders Hyderabad FC if they gain all three points against Jamshedpur, having a game in hand. With the expectation of another good run of games and the League Winners Shield on the horizon, it is now been reported that the Serbian is interested to extend for one more season after certain positive performances based clauses in his contract were triggered. Vukomanovic managed to take the Tuskers to their longest unbeaten run in ISL history.
Recent Form
JFC: LWWWL
KBFC: WLWWD
JFC vs KBFC Team News
Owen Coyle delivered encouraging news for JFC fans that center back Peter Hartley is available for selection after missing out on the defeat to Bengaluru FC through suspension. Unfortunately, Komal Thatal won't be featuring anytime soon as he is still out with an hamstring injury. The manager said it will take the left winger 1-2 weeks for full recovery.
Ivan Vukomanovic confirms that the full squad for Kerala Blasters is finally fit for the game on Thursday with Rahul KP closing on a return to the team back from his injury. Midfielder Ayush Adhikari is suspended for the game after receiving a second yellow card in the win over Northeast.
JFC vs KBFC Expected Lineups :
JFC: TP Rehenesh; Laldinliana Renthlei, Peter Hartley, Narender Ghalot, Ricky Lallamawma, Pronay Halder, Alex Lima, Seimeinlen Doungel, Greg Stewart, Boris Singh, Daniel Chima
KBFC: Prabhsukhan Gill; Harmanjot Khabra, Hormipam, Marko Leskovic, Nishu Kumar, Sahal Samad, Jeakson Singh, Vincy Barretto,
JFC vs KBFC Head to Head :
The last two meetings between the sides have ended in less entertaining draws while the three before those have been high scoring. It is obvious to say that the game could turn out to be rubber band tight or open its flood gate at any time.
It was a 0-0 stalemate in the previous fixture failing to materialize goals out of their chances.
JFC vs KBFC Dream11 Team Prediction :
If Alvaro Vazquez is the choice
GK: Gill (8.5)
DEF: Khabra (9), Hartley (9), Leskovic (8.5), Ricky (8.5)
MID: Sahal (9), Lima (9), Jeakson (9), Luna (9.5)
FW: Vazquez (9.5), Stewart (10.5)
JFC vs KBFC Dream11 Team Prediction :
If Daniel Chima is the choice
GK: Gill (8.5)
DEF: Khabra (9), Hartley (9), Leskovic (8.5), Ricky (8.5)
MID: Sahal (9), Lima (9), Jeakson (9), Luna (9.5)
FW: Chima (9), Stewart (10.5)
