Hyderabad vs Jamshedpur: Preview and Prediction
After sealing their place in the semifinals, last year’s defending champions Hyderabad will hope to keep their momentum going as they host Jamshedpur at the Gachibowli Stadium on Saturday.
Manolo Marquez’s side confirmed their second-place finish in the league standings with a 1-0 win over ATK Mohun Bagan in their last outing. Talismanic striker Bartholomew Ogbeche netted a late goal that sank the Mariners and sealed the Nizams’ berth in the semifinals.
On the other hand, Aidy Boothroyd’s men have long been eliminated from the race for playoffs and they have nothing more than pride to play for. They come into this fixture on the back of hard fought 0-0 draw with Juan Ferrando’s side.
With two matches remaining, the Men of Steel will hope to pip East Bengal and finish as high in the table as possible. Whereas, for the defending champs, it will be all about trying to reach the semifinals on the back of some good performances.
Current Form
Talking about the current form of these two clubs, it’s evident from the league standing that both outfits have had contrasting fortunes this term. While the Red Miners lifted the ISL Shield last year, they didn’t begin the ongoing campaign on a promising note.
Coach Boothroyd struggled to find his best possible playing eleven. However, more recently, the Englishman has his players playing some promising football and they were extremely unlucky to only take a solitary point from their most recent outing.
Picking up points on the road has also been a struggle for the Men of Steel, and the majority of their 13 points from 18 matches have come at their fortress, the furnace. Boothroyd’s side will play Odisha in their final league match, hoping to end their campaign on a high.
On the other hand, the Nizams had no qualms this season whatsoever, having retained the services of their Spanish coach, the reigning league champions have relied on their resolute defence.
Marquez’s side has conceded the fewest goals by any team (13) while going forward, only Goa and Mumbai City have scored more goals (33). They are scheduled to take on Kerala Blasters in their final league outing and they will hope to win both their remaining games and carry forward that winning momentum into the knockouts.
Head-to-Head Record
When it comes to the past record of these two clubs, their head-to-head record is pretty evenly matched. In a total of 7 league meetings to date, the Nizams only enjoyed a solitary win, while the Men of Steel have prevailed twice.
As many as 4 matches between them ended all square. Marquez’s side enjoyed a 1-0 win earlier this season in the reverse fixture at the furnace.
Team News
After suffering a defeat against the Juggernauts, the Nizams’ head coach made three changes to the starting XI, with Chinglensana Singh, Akash Mishra, and Javier Siverio coming into the side, and after the win over the Mariners, a similar side could take to the field on Saturday.
Gurmeet Singh Chahal will continue in goal, behind a back four of Nikhil Poojari, Odei Onaindia, Chinglensana, and Akash. The midfield duo of Borja Herrera and Hitesh Sharma have forged a great partnership while the attacking trio of Halicharan Narzary, Joel Chianese, and Mohammad Yasir are all likely to keep their place.
Siverio may start the game again while Ogbeche, despite scoring last week may start on the bench as an impact substitute.
On the other hand, Boothroyd’s side could be without Rafael Crivellaro who picked up an injury in their previous outing. Harry Sawyer came on from the bench and may start against the Nizams as well. After a promising performance, the same side is likely to continue with T.P. Rehenesh between the sticks.
The back four is settled, Laldinliana Renthlei, Pratik Chaudhari, Eli Sabia, and Ricky Lallawmawma will start, along with Boris Singh Thangjam and Ritwik Das on the wings. Jitendra Singh may partner with the ever-present Jay Emmanuel-Thomas in the middle of the park as Sawyer is expected to start alongside Daniel Chima Chukwu.
Predicted Starting XIs
Hyderabad (4-2-3-1): Gurmeet Singh Chahal; Nikhil Poojari, Odei Onaindia, Chinglensana Singh, Akash Mishra; Borja Herrera, Hitesh Sharma; Halicharan Narzary, Joel Chianese, Mohammad Yasir; Javier Siverio
Jamshedpur (4-4-2): T.P. Rehenesh; Laldinliana Renthlei, Pratik Chaudhari, Eli Sabia, Ricky Lallawmawma; Boris Singh Thangjam, Jitendra Singh, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Ritwik Das; Daniel Chima Chukwu, Harry Sawyer.
Prediction
Given the massive difference in quality between these two sides, certainly, the Nizams will go into the match as overwhelming favourites. Add to that the fact that the defending champs will be at their fortress and the Red Miners’ poor track record in away fixtures, and Marquez’s side will surely fancy all three points.