Mumbai City FC host Jamshedpur FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday. The Islanders shrugged off their recent indifferent form when they came out on top in a seven-goal thriller at FC Goa in their last fixture, edging the Gaurs 4-3. They will look to build on that momentum going into a tough game against a defensively strong Jamshedpur FC. The league debutants are also coming off the back of a win, picking up three crucial points, over defending champions ATK. Like Mumbai, they too would want a win that would catapult them into the top four of the overall standings.

HEAD TO HEAD

Mumbai City FC 0 – 0 Jamshedpur FC (1 draw)

KEY PLAYERS

Thiago Santos (Mumbai City FC)

The Brazilian has been lethal in the Mumbai attack. With his quick runs and incisive finishing, Thiago has led attacks with gusto, and rarely leaves any opportunity go a-begging. The 22-year-old has already bagged five goals and an assist and would want to put on his scoring shoes against Jamshedpur’s solid defence.

Izu Azuka (Jamshedpur FC)

The Nigerian has been the focal point in Jamshedpur’s attacking line throughout. A pacey and strong player, he is a constant threat to any defence. He has three goals to his name already this season and will be looking to bag some more when his team visits Mumbai.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

Mumbai City FC

Alexandre Guimaraes may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation that would add versatility both in attack and defence.

Goalkeeper: Amrinder Singh

Defenders: Raju Gaikwad, Lucian Goian, Gerson Vieira, Sanju Pradhan

Midfielders: Everton Santos, Achille Emana, Sahil Tavora, Abinash Ruidas, Thiago Santos

Forward: Balwant Singh

Mumbai City head coach Guimaraes on his plans for the clash ahead: “I think it will be a game where both teams will be competitive. So, in these types of games, you have to go into every detail, and that will make the difference. But they (Jamshedpur FC) are not a team that concedes too many chances. We have to convert the ones that we get. Our defence has to be very alert.”

Jamshedpur FC
Steve Coppell may use his own 4-2-3-1 formation that provides enough options in the middle and on the flanks.

Goalkeeper: Subrata Paul

Defenders: Souvik Chakrabarti, Anas Edathodika, Tiri, Andre Bikey

Midfielders: Mehtab Hossain, Memo, Wellington Priori, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Farukh Choudhary

Forward: Izu Azuka

Jamshedpur head coach Coppell on his team’s objectives for the match: “At the moment, our intentions are to go out and try and take the three points. Maybe during the course of the game, there might be occasions where we say things are going right, things are not going right, let’s protect what we got. But certainly, at the moment, our intentions are to come here and be as open and attacking as we can be to win the game.”

KEY STATS

• Both teams have picked up five wins so far.
• While Jamshedpur has a goal difference of 1, Mumbai has a goal difference of 2.

LAST ENCOUNTER

Jamshedpur FC 2 – 2 Mumbai City FC (5^th January 2018 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur)

FORM GUIDE

Mumbai City FC: W L L D W

Jamshedpur FC: W L W W L