Jamshedpur FC play their first home match of the 2018-19 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season when they take on two-time champions ATK at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Sunday. The fixture will see ATK’s head coach Steve Coppell return to the city to take charge against his former club, after leading the 2017-18 debutants to a fifth-place finish last season.

Jamshedpur are currently unbeaten this season, with a win against Mumbai City FC and a draw against Bengaluru FC and will want to take ample advantage of their home support to defeat a resurgent ATK side. The visitors, on the other hand, registered their first victory against Delhi Dynamos FC, after two back-to-back defeats at the start of the season.

JAMSHEDPUR FC

Under new head coach Cesar Ferrando, Jamshedpur look like a completely different side from last year. With the likes of Sergio Cidoncha, Jerry Mawhmingthanga and Tim Cahill upfront, Jamshedpur have looked threatening in attack, employing an attractive possession-based approach. All three will be responsible for troubling the opposition defence with their pace, creativity and power.

Despite the loss of some big-name players, the side have maintained their defensive solidarity, owing to the fine performances of captain Tiri and custodian Subhasish Roy at the back. Mario Arques and Memo have been pulling the strings in midfield and is expected to give the ATK midfielders a hard time at the centre of the pitch.

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

ATK

After suffering two consecutive losses, Coppell’s men finally got their season off and running with a well-deserved victory over Delhi. Facing his former club, Coppell will be familiar with some of Jamshedpur’s players and will undoubtedly want to exploit their weaknesses.

Spearheaded by Kalu Uche and Balwant Singh, ATK looked dangerous on the counter, creating a host of chances against Delhi. Manuel Lanzarote and Everton Santos will serve as the chief creative outlets, ably assisted by Pronay Halder and Komal Thatal in midfield. John Johnson and Gerson Vieira will be handed the tough task of containing Jamshedpur’s lethal attackers. However, their experience can prove crucial in garnering full points on the road.

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

PROBABLE LINEUPS

Jamshedpur FC: Rafique Ali (GK), Yumnam Raju, Raju Gaikwad, Tiri (C), Bikash Jairu, Mario Arques, Memo, Jerry Mawhmingthanga, Michael Soosairaj, Sergio Cidoncha, Tim Cahill

ATK: Arindam Bhattacharja (GK), Aiborlang Khongjee, Gerson Vieira, John Johnson, Ricky Lallawmawma, Pronay Halder, Komal Thatal, Manuel Lanzarote (C), Everton Santos, Balwant Singh, Kalu Uche

DID YOU KNOW?

• The win in ATK’s last match gave Steve Coppell the best start to his Hero ISL career. He had never won in his first three matches in the two seasons before this.
• ATK have faced four shots from headers and have conceded three goals from them.
• Last season, Jamshedpur could collect only 11 points out of a possible 27 points at home. Only ATK (8 points) and NorthEast United FC (7 points) collected fewer points than them in 2017-18.

FANSPEAK

Which youngster will have a bigger impression on the fortunes of the match?

• Jerry Mawhmingthanga
• Komal Thatal

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.