Jamshedpur vs Bengaluru (Durand Cup 2022): Preview and Prediction
After failing to qualify for the ISL playoffs in the previous season, Bengaluru will look forward to adding the prestigious Durand Cup 2022 trophy to their trophy cabinet. But first up for them will be ISL shield winners Jamshedpur, who will take the side with their reserve team. The match will kick off at 02:30 PM IST on Wednesday at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata.
Bengaluru is grouped in Group A alongside Jamshedpur, Goa, Mohammedan, and Air Force. As only two clubs qualify for the knockout phase of the tournament, the Blues would be eager to begin their campaign with a win and are favourites to top the group.
Bengaluru captain Sunil Chhetri has won almost every club competition there is to win in India but laments the absence of Durand Cup silverware. The tournament will also serve as the first assignment for new head coach Simon Grayson, who signed a two-year contract with the club earlier this year.
Current Form
Bengaluru had a four-week training session on their home ground before boarding the flight to Kolkata. They haven’t played a single pre-season friendly to prepare themselves for Durand Cup 2022.
Jamshedpur’s reserve squad participated in the Reliance Foundation Youth League and registered wins over Mumbai City and Goa. They shared the spoils with Chennaiyin while ending on the losing side of fixtures against Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and RF Young Champs
Head to Head Record
The two sides have squared off against each other a total of 10 times in the past, with Jamshedpur holding the head-to-head advantage by 4-3. Three encounters between the two clubs have ended in a draw.
Team News
Jamshedpur in action in the 2021 edition of the Durand Cup
Jamshedpur has only three first-team members in the form of Sandip Mandi, Vishal Yadav, and Mohit Singh Dhami taking part in the tournament, while the rest of the players are all born on or after 2002. The Red Miners have always sent their reserve team for the Durand Cup and their tradition will continue in this edition of the tournament as well.
Bengaluru sent their second-string side last time and lost the semi-finals via penalty to the eventual champions Goa. As the first team is taking part in the Durand Cup 2022, they will be eager to go all the distance. The match against Jamshedpur will also give opportunities to new signings like Prabir Das, Javi Hernandez, Sandesh Jhingan, and Roy Krishna to gel with the existing players.
Predicted Starting XIs
How will Roy Krishna fare for the Blues in Durand Cup 2022?
Bengaluru (4-3-3): Gurpreet Singh Sandhu; Alan Costa, Prabir Das, Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan; Suresh Wangjam, Jayesh Rane, Javi Hernandez; Sunil Chhetri, Roy Krishna, Udanta Singh
Jamshedpur (4-4-2): Vishal Yadav; Sandip Mandi, Gopal Hembram, Ankit Toppo, Nayan Tamang; Keisan Angelo Singh, Hijam Lenin Singh, Phijam Vikash Singh, Robin Das; Nikhil Barla, Lalruatmawia
Prediction
Bengaluru is the overhauling favorites to win the tie as they are entering the contest with their first team. Jamshedpur has always fumbled in the group stage of the tournament and the scenario is likely to repeat in Durand Cup 2022 as well. We predict Bengaluru to win the tie by a margin of 4-0.