Surging Chennaiyin host revitalised Jamshedpur in the chase for playoffs
The race for the playoff spots is set to get hotter as Chennaiyin FC host Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here on Thursday.
Both sides head into the clash high on confidence as they seek a strong win to close the gap to the top four. Chennaiyin, placed seventh on the table with 15 points, have won back-to-back games which have featured some good attacking football. Jamshedpur, meanwhile, snapped a six-game winless run with a 3-2 win over Kerala Blasters that propelled them back into the play-off race.
“It looks pretty clear that three teams will take the first three play-off spots. We have one spot we can realistically get. We are there in the mix, fighting for it despite the injuries we have had. This match is like a final for us,” Jamshedpur FC coach Antonio Iriondo spelt out the importance of Thursday’s match.
Chennaiyin will look to flex their muscles at home. In the last 5 home matches, Chennaiyin have lost just one match, scoring 12 goals in the process. Jamshedpur, on the other hand, have a very poor away record. Since last season, the Men of Steel have won just two matches away from home.
The Marina Machans have found their attacking mojo under manager Owen Coyle. Under him, Chennaiyin have scored 12 goals in six matches and the key to that has been Rafael Crivellaro and Nerijus Valskis. While Valskis has been banging in the goals, the creative outlet is Crivellaro. The Brazilian has been on fire under Coyle and has 24 key passes to his name, the most by any player in the ISL.
Also Read: Senior women footballers praise AIFF for broad-basing women’s football
For ISL fixtures, League table and goal scorer stats visit: Hero ISL
“Jamshedpur are coming after a big lift, having won against Kerala Blasters. For us, what is important is that we managed to score goals. We have shown we are dangerous offensively. But we need to have some balance,” said Coyle. “We missed a lot of chances (against NorthEast United) but those chances came as a result of our football. But we did score two great goals. We have improved our goal tally but there is room for improvement. We need to be more clinical up front. Because if we score early, we put the game to bed,” he added.
Chennaiyin’s attack might just fancy themselves against a Jamshedpur FC defence which has failed to keep a clean sheet in the last seven matches. Moreover, they will also miss defensive mainstay Tiri who was injured in the win over Kerala Blasters.
“Chennaiyin have great attacking players. They have changed the coach and their spirit and energy are high. We know there is no Tiri for us in defence but I can confirm the player we choose will do great and we will fight for the victory,” stated Iriondo.
However, the return of Sergio Castel is a huge advantage for Jamshedpur’s attack which has looked toothless during his absence. He scored a penalty after coming on as a substitute against Kerala and should start the game in Chennai. His importance to Antonio Iriondo’s set-up is such that Jamshedpur have never won a game without Castel’s involvement.
With the likes of Farukh Chowdhury, Noe Acosta and Aitor Monroy playing well, Iriondo will hope his Castel gets good service upfront as they seek to notch a vital away victory.
Show off your Indian and European football knowledge with the football fantasy game from Playerzpot. Download the App with our special Footballcounter referral code, start playing and win cash daily.
Download app here: Link or click on the image below
We would love to hear your Feedback on your Football Counter experience
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…