NorthEast United FC have been one of the most consistent teams in Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 so far but they will have to up the ante if they want to register their first-ever Hero ISL win against Jamshedpur FC at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco on Friday. Jamshedpur too are on a five-game unbeaten run themselves with four draws and one win after their defeat to Chennaiyin FC in their opening game. So, it promises to be a cracking encounter, and ahead of the match we look at some of the talking points that can impact the game in a big way.

Five draws and one loss for the Highlanders against Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur FC have not ever lost to NorthEast and that will give them a lot of confidence. Both sides have played six matches so far, with Jamshedpur FC winning one and five ending in draws. Owen Coyle’s men will hope to continue their unbeaten run preferably with a win after consecutive draws against SC East Bengal and Mumbai City previously. However, with the Highlanders looking like a new team this season, Jamshedpur will do well not to give much importance to what happened in the past.

Jackichand’s form a big concern for Owen Coyle

One of Coyle’s high-profile acquisitions ahead of the season, Jackichand Singh has not been able to hit his top form so far. Last season playing for FC Goa, he had scored five goals. He also took 30 shots last season, the most by him in a Hero ISL season. But the India international has failed to hit the back of the net this season so far. His return to form is much-desired for Jamshedpur who appear over-reliant on Nerijus Valskis at present.  

TP Rehenesh, Peter Hartley command the Jamshedpur defence

Jamshedpur’s defensive resilience in the 1-1 draw against Mumbai City FC was striking. Although they played with 10 men for more than 60 minutes, the Jamshedpur defence were steadfast and never lost their shape. Mumbai took 18 shots in the match but Jamshedpur ensured that the Islanders had just four shots on target. Their skipper Peter Hartley, made five clearances, three tackles and one interception in the match while the goalkeeper TP Rehenesh saved three of the four shots on target that he faced. The duo will hope to unleash another inspiring performance on Friday.