Jamshedpur FC and Gokulam Kerala FC are likely to go with contrasting mindsets when they face each other in their final Hero Super Cup 2023 group stage match on Tuesday at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala.

The Men of Steel are on a roll in the ongoing Hero Super Cup, having booked their place in the semi-finals, courtesy of two convincing wins in two games - the only team to achieve the feat so far. Moreover, Jamshedpur have also scored the most number of goals by any team in the Super Cup so far (9).

Having already progressed to the next stage of the Cup, Head Coach Aidy Boothroyd was asked whether he would give the players, who haven't received enough game time, a chance in tomorrow’s game. He answered, “We’ve got options to field players who have not been used because of the team’s form, but we have to assess the injuries and make a decision.”

Additionally, the Englishman also spoke optimistically of his side’s campaign as they face Bengaluru FC in the semi-finals. “We’ll be focusing on our team and what we can do. We’ll do as much as we can to progress in this competition,” he said.

On the other hand, Gokulam Kerala have nothing to gain from this meet anymore as they suffered back-to-back defeats against ATK Mohun Bagan and FC Goa and have bowed out of the race. Being one of the local teams, the Malabarians will only hope to end the campaign on a positive note in front of the home fans.

Speaking about what the fans can expect from the team in their final game of the tournament, Head Coach Francesc Bonet said, “We’ve noticed a marked  improvement of our team after the first match. Against Jamshedpur, we aim to keep improving and compete against a good Hero ISL team. I feel we can have a better result in this match.”

The Spanish tactician went on to conclude with a message for the fans who supported the Malabarians throughout the campaign. “Playing at home is always an advantage. We want the fans to come and support us in our final game of the Super Cup and we will make them enjoy the game,” he said.

The match between Jamshedpur FC and Gokulam Kerala will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and will be streamed live on the FanCode app at 5 p.m. (IST).

ATK Mohun Bagan, FC Goa meet in inconsequential tie

ATK Mohun Bagan will square off against defending champions, FC Goa in a Group C Hero Super Cup clash at the EMS Stadium, Kozhikode on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

It is a match of little consequence as both teams have already crashed out of the tournament leaving Jamshedpur FC march onto the semi-finals from this group. But given the status of the two teams, it is expected to be an interesting battle since ATK Mohun Bagan and FC Goa had always played their hearts out against each other in the past.

The Mariners are the Hero ISL champions and are likely to avail the opportunity of playing this match as a preparation for the AFC Cup qualifying play-off. FC Goa, on the other hand, would look forward to ending the season on a high, which saw them finish seventh in the ISL.

This is going to be the 3rd time that the two teams square off against each other this season. FC Goa won the first clash of the season convincingly 3-0, while the return leg was won by ATK Mohun Bagan.

With nothing much at stake, ATK Mohun Bagan Head coach Juan Ferrando is upbeat that he would find the best team possible for tomorrow's match.

It was a great start to the competition for ATK Mohun Bagan when they tormented Gokulam Kerala FC's defence by scoring five goals in their opening match. However, in the next match against Jamshedpur FC the Kolkata side succumbed to a 0-3 defeat to end their hopes of qualification whatsoever.

Juan Ferrando will still be looking to find goals from his forward, Australian, Dimitrios Petratos, who is yet to find the target in the competition. The former FC Goa Head Coach, Ferrando has prior experience managing in the AFC Champions League in the past and is aware of the preparations and efforts needed to succeed in continental competitions. Hence, he would want to emerge victorious against FC Goa before meeting Hyderabad FC in an AFC qualification play-off match.

FC Goa Head Coach Carlos Pena said they have their task cut out against the Kolkata giants. “It will be a demanding match for both teams,” he said. Pena wants to win their last match of the season and make the fans happy.

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2022-2023Jamshedpur FCFC Goa Match Preview