Mumbai City FC will lock horns with Jamshedpur FC in their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 match at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in Fatorda, on Thursday evening.

The Islanders are at the top of the points table after their win over Bengaluru FC in the previous game, having collected 12 points from four matches. On the other hand, Jamshedpur FC are just behind them, with a collection of eight points from four matches.

Form Guide

Mumbai City FC

The club have won four of their last five competitive matches, which includes three wins out of four in the ongoing season. Their only slip-up was a 1-3 loss to Hyderabad FC in the second game, from which they have bounced back and registered two dominating wins over ATK Mohun Bagan (5-1) and Bengaluru FC (3-1) in their last two matches respectively.

Jamshedpur FC

The Owen Coyle coached side is unbeaten in their last five competitive matches, which includes three wins and two draws. Jamshedpur FC scripted a clinical 2-1 victory over ATK Mohun Bagan in their last match to move up the ladder in the points table to the second spot. As of now, they are looking as one of the primary contenders for a top-four finish.

Head to Head

Mumbai City FC have been pitted against Jamshedpur FC eight times in the history of Hero ISL, with Jamshedpur FC having won four of those games, while the defending champions have won two, and the remaining two games ending in a draw.

Team News

Mumbai City FC

Although the win in the opening game was enough to show what Mumbai City FC were capable of, the jolt against a spirited Hyderabad FC worked as a tonic for the side. The turnaround since then has been magical, with them scripting two back-to-back convincing wins and seemed to have found the perfect combination and are looking forward to building on it.

The Viktam Partap Singh, Igor Angulo and Bipin Singh trio looks pretty composed at the moment, with them contributing to five of the eight goals scored by the Islanders in the past two matches. It is unlikely that Des Buckingham would start with Ygor Catatau, who is used as a trump card usually. Ahmed Jahouh and Apuia will hold the cards in the midfield once again.

Mourtada Fall highlights a star-studded back four, with Rahul Bheke, Mandar Rao Desai and Amey Ranawade also in the mix. If the manager is not preparing for other plans or intending to rest some of his wards due to the hectic schedule, we are likely to see the same XI in the next game. As of now, there are no injury concerns for Mumbai City FC going into the game.

Jamshedpur FC

Despite not starting in the opening game, Jamshedpur FC have not made the mistake of benching Greg Stewart again, who arguably, has been their most impressive player in the Hero ISL so far. The head coach would try to keep the winning combination going, with Nerijus Valskis also in the scheme of things.

On the other hand, with heavyweights Mumbai City FC on the collision course, Coyle might want to field Eli Sabia and Peter Hartley at the heart of the defence. In that case, Alex Lima might get benched for a second time in a row. It would be interesting to see how the manager goes about his business.

Among the Indian players, Ricky Lallawmawna and Laldinliana Renthlei will likely get regular starts as right-backs, while Jitendra Singh, the Hero of the Match in the last game, would be an automatic selection. But, Seiminlen Doungel, who has been brilliant for the Red Miners in the season, is likely to miss out on the next match, following an injury suffered against ATK Mohun Bagan. Jordan Murray and Mobashir Rahman are also not fully match-fit.

Key Players

Mumbai City FC

Igor Angulo

The Spaniard is certainly proving to be an impact player for the Islanders, having netted four goals in as many matches so far. Quick to respond to a goal chance and having just the finishing skills a forward needs, Igor Angulo can pose a threat to opponents’ defenders. He was awarded with the Hero of the Match for going past the goal two times against FC Goa.

Bipin Singh

There’s no doubting his capabilities, at least after his stellar show in the previous season. Singh has even started the ongoing season on a high, having scored once and provided an assist so far. He was a threat in the left wing against ATK Mohun Bagan, contributing to two of the goals in that match itself. Even though he was not as effective as Mumbai City FC would have wanted in the last game, the speedy footballer has the capability of changing the course of the game within minutes.

Jamshedpur FC

Nerijus Valskis

The golden boot award winner for the season 2019-20, Valskis was vital in upsetting FC Goa this season, after striking two goals against the Gaurs. His experience will be influential in Jamshedpur FC’s success in this year’s Hero ISL campaign. The player with the highest rating for the club so far this season, is certainly one to keep a close eye on this tournament.

Jitendra Singh

The midfielder was the pick of the Indian footballers in the previous match, with him making useful contributions, as well as shielding the back four on several occasions. With a minimum of seven Indian players always on the field, having an all-round footballer like Jitendra is a bonus for the team.With Jamshedpur FC against the defending champions, the services of the FIFA U17 World Cup star will be needed more than ever.

Key Stats

Venue record: Mumbai City FC have played 15 matches at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, having lost only four of them. The Islanders have been victorious on as many as eight occasions, which also includes the final of the Hero ISL 2020-21. In fact, the Islanders have won six of their last eight matches at the venue.

Set-pieces: The Red Miners have scored five out of their seven goals (71.42%) from set-pieces, while the Islanders have conceded three out of five (60%) from set-pieces.

Mumbai City FC finds a way to score: The defending champions have scored 12 goals this season so far, the highest by any team. Buckingham’s boys have netted six from open play, the joint-highest with ATK Mohun Bagan and an equal number from set-pieces, joint highest with SC East Bengal.

Match timings and telecast details

Match: Mumbai City FC vs Jamshedpur FC

Date: 9th December 2021

Venue: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, Fatorda

Kick-off time: 7.30 pm

Telecast: Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 HD, Star Sports 3, Hindi Commentary on Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD, Star Sports 1 regional channels - Tamil, Bengali, Kannada, Telugu

Online Streaming: Disney+Hotstar and JioTV.