In what promises to be an intense encounter, Jamshedpur FC will take on Mumbai City FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Friday. Jamshedpur will be itching for a victory to increase their chances of breaking into the top four, while Mumbai City will want the three points to take a step closer to sealing their play-off qualification. Given the quality present in both sides, fans can expect plenty of goalmouth action.

With both teams having lost their last fixture, a positive result on Friday will be vital for both teams as they look to avoid a late slump.

Jamshedpur FC

After starting the season well, Jamshedpur have hit a snag of late, winning just one in their last five outings. Since the league’s restart after the winter break, they have picked up just one point out of a possible six and are in serious jeopardy of missing out on a play-off spot. Cesar Ferrando’s men are currently in the fifth spot on the table and will be eager to keep pace with the top four going into the business end of the season. Registering a victory against the Islanders will be no cakewalk but they will take confidence from their 2-0 victory over Mumbai from earlier in the season.

However, Jamshedpur are dealing with their fair share of crisis going into the match. Michael Soosairaj's absence was evident during the Miners' 2-1 defeat against ATK last week and Ferrando will hope that the star winger recovers from his viral fever in time to take the field against Mumbai. Sergio Cidoncha, who is coming back after a lengthy injury layoff, still looks far from his best and even the ever-reliable Mario Arques has had a dip in form of late. Veteran striker Tim Cahill and winger Carlos Calvo are certain to miss the tie, adding to Jamshedpur's woes. While Cahill is nursing a hand injury, Calvo will be serving the last of his three-match suspension.

With their depleted numbers, Ferrando will be hoping that the youngsters like Sumeet Passi, Farukh Choudhary and Jerry Mawhmingthanga can step up to the occasion. Jerry, in particular, was impressive coming off the bench against ATK and might just have earned himself a start on Friday.

Here’s a look at Jamshedpur’s current season in numbers:

Mumbai City FC:

After going on an impressive nine-match unbeaten streak, Mumbai were finally beaten by an inspired Goa side last week. Despite the loss, Jorge Costa and Co will still fancy themselves to qualify for the knockout stages, given their position in the table. The Islanders are currently on 27 points and a victory would put them in the driving seat to ensure a finish in the top four.

However, given Jamshedpur’s dire need for a victory, Mumbai cannot afford to take their opponents lightly and lose a second match on the bounce. After losing at home to Jamshedpur in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, a victory for Mumbai will be all the sweeter.

Mumbai, however, do have a major injury concern of their own going into the fixture. The team's top scorer Modou Sougou sat out Mumbai's last match against the Gaurs due to a hamstring injury and it will be interesting to see if the Senegalese forward makes it to the starting XI against Jamshedpur. If Sougou ends up missing out yet again, Jorge Costa will hope that the likes of Paulo Machado, Rafael Bastos and Arnold Issoko can put in the extra effort to cover for the star striker's absence.

Here’s a look at Mumbai’s current season in numbers:

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

Jamshedpur FC: Subrata Paul (GK), Tiri (C), Pratik Chowdhary, Robin Gurung, Dhanachandra Singh, Bikash Jairu, Mario Arques, Memo, Jerry Mawhmingthanga, Sumeet Passi, Sergio Cidoncha

Mumbai City FC: Amrinder Singh (GK), Sauvik Chakrabarti, Lucian Goian, Anwar Ali, Subhasish Bose, Arnold Issoko, Raynier Fernandes, Milan Singh, Paulo Machado (C), Modou Sougou, Rafael Bastos

DID YOU KNOW?

• Jamshedpur have scored 11 goals from set pieces - highest in the league.
• Mumbai have scored 9 goals from counter attacks - highest in the league.
• Mumbai have kept 7 clean sheets so far - highest in the league.

FANSPEAK

Which goalkeeper will help his team emerge victorious?

• Subrata Paul
• Amrinder Singh

Have your say in the comments section below.

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV at 7.30 PM.