The final match before the first international break of the 2018-19 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) will feature Bengaluru FC taking on Jamshedpur FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. Both sides will be looking to maintain their 100% start to the season and clinch the top spot with a win before the league breaks. Now in their second season, both the hosts and visitors have looked the most impressive side so far and the match is expected to be an exhilarating one.

BENGALURU FC

A number of concerns were raised when Bengaluru bowed out of the AFC Cup in August, followed by an underwhelming pre-season campaign. New head coach Carles Cuadrat seemed to be under pressure even before the season began, but all those doubts were put to bed when the Blues put in a strong performance to overcome Chennaiyin FC in their opening game.

Heading into their clash, Bengaluru will once again rely on the services of their star man Miku. The Venezuelan picked up from where he left off last season, proving to be a constant threat for the Chennaiyin backline. Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh were not at their usual best and will thus be expected to step up their game against Jamshedpur.

In midfield, Xisco Hernandez and Erik Paartalu will be responsible for pulling the strings and aiding their forwards upfront. Albert Serran enjoyed a sound debut for the club alongside Juanan and is expected to regain his place in the starting lineup, with Rahul Bheke and Nishu Kumar in full-back positions.

Here’s a look at Bengaluru’s season numbers so far:

Jamshedpur FC

Cesar Ferrando got his tenure as Jamshedpur head coach off to a brilliant start with a stunning 2-0 victory away at Mumbai City FC. His side thoroughly deserved the victory, owing to their exemplary display at both ends of the pitch.

Jamshedpur’s style of play was a stark contrast to their defensive approach from last season and fans will be licking their lips at the thought of Tim Cahill making his debut for the side against Bengaluru. The Australian, who missed the first match owing to suspension, will undoubtedly bolster this already impressive attacking unit if selected.

Subhasish Roy put in a fine performance against the Islanders and is expected to regain his starting berth in goal. Miku and Co. will have a hard time penetrating the almost unstoppable Tiri, who has firmly established himself as one of the finest centre-backs in the league. Mario Arques and Jerry Mawhmingthanga is expected to start and will be the chief instigators in midfield.

Here’s a look at Jamshedpur’s season numbers so far:

EXPECTED LINE-UPS:

BENGALURU: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Rahul Bheke, Albert Serran, Juanan, Nishu Kumar, Erik Paartalu, Xisco Hernandez, Harmanjot Khabra, Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh, Miku

JAMSHEDPUR: Subhasish Roy (GK), Tiri, Raju Gaikwad, Yumnam Raju, Pratik Chowdhary, Memo, Mario Arques, Jerry Mawhmingthanga, Sumeet Passi, Sergio Cidoncha, Tim Cahill

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Bengaluru won 6 out of their 9 matches at home in the league stage, last season. No other club won more matches.
  • In the league stage, Bengaluru are on a six-match unbeaten run, since last season.
  • Jamshedpur are on a four-match unbeaten run away from home in the league stage, since last season.

FANSPEAK

Which marksman will make the difference on Sunday?

  • Miku
  • Tim Cahill

Have your say in the comments section below. 

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV from 7:30 PM.