Jamshedpur FC host defending champions Bengaluru FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Sunday. The match will be both clubs’ third outing in the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 season, with Antonio Iriondo’s men having won both their previous fixtures while Carles Cuadrat’s charges had to settle for back-to-back draws.

Following their strong start, Jamshedpur will be brimming with confidence and will be eager to extend their winning run at the expense of the Blues. However, the task will be easier said than done against the reigning champions whose need for three points may be slightly more urgent.

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur side have been one of the surprise packages so far this season and have emerged as early contenders for the title according to many. Despite going down to ten men in their opening fixture against Odisha, Iriondo’s men didn’t curb their attacking intent, subsequently winning all three points courtesy a late Sergio Castel winner. It was a similar story in their following tie as well, with Castel again proving to be an inspirational addition to the squad.

The Spaniard’s overall understanding of the game and off the ball movement have massively helped his fellow attackers, with Farukh Choudhary being the biggest beneficiary. The 22-year-old has already scored one and assisted another in just under 180 minutes of football. With the likes of Piti, Aniket Jadhav also firing all cylinders, Jamshedpur’s attack seems to be already hitting top gear. However, Iriondo will be slightly conscious of his defence ahead of facing Bengaluru. Tiri and Co. are yet to keep a clean sheet and will have their hands full dealing with the likes of Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh and Raphael Augusto lining up against them on Sunday.

Bengaluru FC

Cuadrat couldn’t have asked anything more from his side in their last outing against FC Goa. The players demonstrated immense work rate and tenacity to outplay the mighty Gaurs in their own backyard for the majority of the match, and were held only by a last-gasp Ferran Corominas penalty. Their performance against NorthEast United FC in the opening fixture wasn’t bad either and the reigning champions can count themselves slightly unfortunate not to have come out with more than a point from the match despite all their efforts.

However, to say that the Blues have been perfect wouldn’t exactly be true either. Striker Manuel Onwu’s lack of involvement in the right areas will be concerning, as the striker still seems to be finding his feet in the new league. Talisman and captain Sunil Chhetri, too, hasn’t been able to hit his familiar goal-scoring stride yet. The club will be hoping that the narrative changes sooner rather later, starting with the trip to Jamshedpur.

Probable line-ups:

Jamshedpur FC: Subrata Paul (GK), Tiri, Joyner Lourenco, Memo, Keegan Pereira, Aniket Jadhav, Noe Acosta, Robin Gurung, Farukh Choudhary, Piti, Sergio Castel

Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Juanan, Rahul Bheke, Nishu Kumar, Ashique Kuruniyan, Harmanjot Singh Khabra, Raphael Augusto, Dimas Delgado, Udanta Singh, Manuel Onwu, Sunil Chhetri

Did you know?

• Last time at this corresponding fixture, Bengaluru were handed their biggest defeat (5-1).
• Sergio Castel has scored two goals from his three shots on target so far. The entire Bengaluru team has taken three shots on target.

Fan Speak:

Will Bengaluru get their first win of the season or will Jamshedpur keep their win streak going?

Have your say in the comments section below.

Live broadcast schedule:

Hero ISL 2019-20 Match 15: Jamshedpur FC vs Bengaluru FC

Time: 7:30 PM onwards, November 3rd

Channels: Star Sports Network

Streaming: Hotstar and Jio TV