In their final match of the season, Jamshedpur FC will host table-toppers Bengaluru FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Wednesday. The Miners come into this encounter after narrowly missing out on the play-off spot for a second consecutive season, while Bengaluru will finish the league on top for a second season running. Given that this is their final match, fans can expect both teams to go out all guns blazing in search of a victory.

JAMSHEDPUR FC

Cesar Ferrando and Co. would undoubtedly be disappointed with their performance against Chennaiyin FC, which saw them out of the running for a spot in the semi-finals. The Miners have suffered a series of draws, nine to be exact, throughout the season. With six points dropped from winning positions, it comes as no surprise that they are not in the top four. Despite starting the season on a bright note and losing just three matches, their inability to kill off teams has proved to be their Achilles heel.

However, a victory against the league leaders could prove to be a small consolation for the fans as their season draws to a close. The reverse fixture in Bengaluru earlier in the season proved to be a great advertiser for the league, with Jamshedpur scoring in the dying minutes to clinch a 2-2 draw. With the likes of Michael Soosairaj and Sergio Cidoncha, fans will expect their team to go one better and clinch all three points at the Tata complex.

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

BENGALURU FC

Despite qualifying for the semi-finals, the Blues were still suffering from a slump in form. With the business end of the season commencing, a return to form was paramount for the South-Indian side. After going a man down against FC Goa, another loss was on the cards. However, a valiant second-half performance, which included three stunning goals handed Bengaluru all three points and sealed their status as the league leaders. The absence of Sunil Chhetri, Erik Paartalu and Albert Serran made the victory all the more impressive.

Nevertheless, Cuadrat might take the luxury of experimenting with his squad. Key players like Chhetri, Miku and Udanta Singh might be given a rest while the likes of Kean Lewis and Semboi Haokip could find a run-in. Whoever Cuadrat decides to go with it, fans can rest assured that their team will fight till the very end for a positive result.

Here’s a look at Bengaluru’s season in numbers:

DID YOU KNOW?

• Bengaluru will top the table yet again. They became the first side to secure a top of the table finish for two seasons in ISL history.
• Bengaluru are winless in their last four away matches. (3 losses and 1 draw)
• Jamshedpur have had 11 different scorers this season. However, their top scorer has just three goals, their lowest for any top-scorer in any other side this season.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

JAMSHEDPUR FC: Subrata Paul (GK), Robin Gurung, Raju Gaikwad, Tiri, Dhanachandra Singh, Mario Arques, Memo, Pablo Morgado, Sergio Cidoncha, Michael Soosairaj, Sumeet Passi

BENGALURU FC: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Rino Anto, Juanan, Albert Serran, Rahul Bheke, Harmanjot Khabra, Thangboi Haokip, Kean Lewis, Xisco Hernandez, Luis Lopez, Semboi Haokip

FANSPEAK

Which Spanish manager will win the tactical battle on Wednesday?

• Cesar Ferrando
• Carles Cuadrat

Have your say in the comments section below.

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV at 7.30 PM.