Match 35 of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 season will see Jamshedpur FC host Chennaiyin FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Monday. It will be Chennaiyin's first match under new head coach Owen Coyle after the Irishman took over the reins from John Gregory.

Jamshedpur FC

A 90th minute Panagiotis Triadis strike undid what was largely a positive night for Jamshedpur in their last outing in the league. Sergio Castel and Farukh Choudhary were once again impressive as an attacking pair, with the latter setting up the Spaniard for his fifth goal of the season against the Highlanders. Jitendra Singh and Narender Gahlot, meanwhile, further cemented their claim for a starting berth with impressive performances in midfield and defence, respectively.

Having said that, Antonio Iriondo will be slightly worried by the lack of goals in his side of late. After scoring five times in their opening two matches, the club has managed to find the net on just three occasions in the last four. The overdependence on Castel and Farukh has been somewhat exposed, with teams targeting the duo and stopping them from getting on the ball. With Castel's involvement in the match unlikely post the injury he sustained against the Highlanders and midfield maestro Piti expected to be sidelined as well, Jamshedpur will have to find a way through on Monday. If Castel ends up missing the match the onus will be on Farukh and veteran striker CK Vineeth to deliver the all-important goals against Chennaiyin.

The Marina Machans will be aware of that fact as well and could frame a game plan geared towards stifling the duo. One thing which does work in Jamshedpur's favour, however, will be their home form. Iriondo and Co are unbeaten at their home ground so far, having registered two wins and two draws in four matches.

Chennaiyin FC

The two-time Hero ISL champions will take the field for the first time under the stewardship of Owen Coyle. The Scotland-born Irishman was appointed last Wednesday and has tons of experience under his belt, managing top division outfits from Scotland and England.

He prefers operating in a narrow 4-4-2 formation, which suggests strikers Andre Schembri and Nerijus Valskis could be seen playing together once again. Valskis has been in decent form of late, scoring three in his last two outings. Coyle will be hoping that the Lithuanian continues his scoring form. He will, however, be asking for more contribution from his midfielders.

The likes of Lallianzuala Chhangte and Rafael Crivellaro will be expected to step up their game in the attacking third. Both players have looked good while on the ball but failed to deliver where it counts – in front of the goal.

Despite boasting a formidable defensive line-up on paper, which includes the likes of Lucian Goian, Eli Sabia, Masih Saighani and others, the backline, too, has left a lot to be desired as they let in 10 goals in six matches. Fans will hope Coyle's arrival will also help tighten up the leaky defence.

Probable line-ups:

Jamshedpur FC: Subrata Paul (GK), Tiri, Joyner Lourenco, Memo Moura, Jitendra Singh, Narender Gahlot, Aitor Monroy, Robin Gurung, Noe Acosta, Farukh Choudhary, CK Vineeth

Chennaiyin FC: Vishal Kaith (GK), Lucian Goian, Eli Sabia, Edwin Vanspaul, Tondonba Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rafael Crivellaro, Thoi Singh, Andre Schembri, Nerijus Valskis

Did you know?

  • Chennaiyin have scored 4 goals in the last 2 matches after failing to score in the first 4 matches.
  • Chennaiyin have lost their last 7 away matches and have scored just 1 goal in those 7 matches. They are also yet to score on the road this season.
  • Jamshedpur have lost just 1 of their last 13 home matches.

Fan Speak:

Will Owen Coyle begin his Chennaiyin reign on a positive note?

Have your say in the comments below.

Live broadcast schedule:

Hero ISL 2019-20 Match 35: Jamshedpur FC vs Chennaiyin FC

Time: 7:30 PM onwards, December 9

Channels: Star Sports Network

Streaming: Hotstar and Jio TV