ISL 2018-19: Jamshedpur vs NorthEast United: Match preview and prediction
What's the story
A vital ISL fixture shall be played tonight between Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United.
NorthEast are third on the league table with 17 points, and Jamshedpur just below them with 14.
This can be a closely contested affair, and NorthEast will be ready to put the extra pressure on to try and remove Goa from the second spot on the table.
Here's our preview.
Team news
How are the two teams shaping up for the encounter?
In the Jamshedpur corner, Raju Gaikwad and Sergio Cidoncha are injured and thus will remain out of action. Gaurav Mukhi is facing a suspension.
Manager Cesar Ferrando might opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the indomitable Tim Cahill leading the attacking.
NorthEast, devoid of any injury, can field a full squad in a similar formation and will be confident after staging a miraculous comeback against Kerala.
Key players
Key players from the two sides
Mario Arques is undoubtedly a solid presence for Jamshedpur in the midfield and along with him, veteran goalkeeper Subrata Paul is always a safety net in such important fixtures.
Michael Soosairaj is also a standout performer, having netted in three goals in eight matches.
NorthEast have Bartholomew Ogbeche, one of the two joint top-scorers, with eight goals in as many matches.
TV listing
Probable line-ups and TV listing
Jamshedpur FC: Subrata; Gurung, Pratik, Tiri, Jairu; Memo, Arques; Farukh, Calvo, Soosairaj; Cahill.
NorthEast United: Pawan; Reagan, Gurwinder, Grgic, Keegan; Rowllin, Leudo; Tlang, Gallego, Mascia; Ogbeche.
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 7:30 PM, and can be watched on the Star Sports network or live-streamed on Hotstar.
Predictions
Which team has the greater chances tonight?
With both teams not having much to separate between them, it becomes difficult to guess a clear victor, but considering the fact that NorthEast are third and three points ahead of Jamshedpur, it must be said that they are the stronger side.
Though Jamshedpur will have the home advantage, it can be presumed that NorthEast will be having the last laugh.
League
How is the league shaping out?
Bengaluru have solidified their position at the top of the table with a victory against Pune last night, and are already five points ahead of second-placed Goa with one match in hand.
Teams like ATK and Kerala, who have been consistent performers, have fared poorly this term, with ATK taking up the sixth, and Kerala the seventh spot on the league table.