The Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 heads into December with in-form sides Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC squaring off at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur. Both teams have had an impressive start to the season and a win on Saturday will give them a huge boost in the race for a playoff spot.

The sides faced off earlier this season in Guwahati and shared the points after a 1-1 draw.

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur have been a hard side to beat this season, losing just one of their nine outings so far. However, the team also has five draws to their name, which testifies to their inability to close out tight matches. A big reason behind that has been the Jamshedpur defence's failure to keep clean sheets. The Miners managed to shut out Mumbai City FC in their season opener but haven't been able to repeat the same feat in any of their subsequent eight matches. The Jamshedpur defence, led by the enigmatic Tiri, will be hoping to curb the worrying trend against NorthEast. Central defender Raju Gaikwad is doubtful for the fixture owing to a hamstring injury, adding to head coach Cesar Ferrando’s woes.

Earlier this month, Jamshedpur were dealt a huge blow after Sergio Cidoncha had to return home to Spain due to an injury. Cidoncha was a vital piece of Ferrando's plans in the first seven matches. It is a tough task to replace a player of Cido's calibre in any team, but thankfully for Jamshedpur, another Spaniard has stepped up to fill his countryman's shoes. Carlos Calvo has been tasked to step in as the creator-in-chief in Cido's absence and has been impressive in his new role. The 33-year-old provided the assist for Sumeet Passi during Jamshedpur's 2-1 loss to FC Pune City and then followed it up with a Hero of the Match performance against Chennaiyin FC. Jamshedpur beat Chennaiyin 3-1 in their last match and Calvo was involved heavily in all three of his team's goals, including scoring one from a penalty. The Spaniard's involvement will be paramount for Jamshedpur against NorthEast.

Jamshedpur have not lost at home this season, winning two and drawing two of their four matches so far.

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

NorthEast United FC

Under head coach Eelco Schattorie, NorthEast are enjoying their best-ever start to a Hero ISL season. Going by their form, the Highlanders look well on their way to a top four finish, which will hand them a playoff spot for the first time in their history. A big reason behind NorthEast's terrific form this season has been their foreign contingent. Bartholomew Ogbeche is the joint-top scorer this season, alongside FC Goa's Ferran Corominas, with eight goals, while Federico Gallego's creative acumen and ability to pick a pass has already earned him praise from all quarters.

But it seems like NorthEast have another ace up their sleeves in Juan Mascia. After a slow start to the season, the Uruguayan striker has been scintillating for the Highlanders in their last two outings. After coming on as a late substitute to inspire the Highlanders to an unbelievable come-from-behind victory against Kerala Blasters FC, the 24-year-old followed it up with a good performance against Pune. Mascia has scored for the Highlanders in their last two matches and will be eager to extend the streak against Jamshedpur.

A big confidence booster for NorthEast going into the match will be their away form this season. The Highlanders have won all of their four matches on the road so far.

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

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

Jamshedpur FC: Subrata Paul (GK), Pratik Chowdhary, Tiri (C), Bikash Jairu, Robin Gurung, Mario Arques, Pablo Morgado, Carlos Calvo, Memo, Michael Soosairaj, Sumeet Passi

NorthEast United FC: Pawan Kumar (GK), Reagan Singh, Mato Grgic, Gurwinder Singh, Keegan Pereira, Rowllin Borges, Jose Leudo, Redeem Tlang, Federico Gallego, Juan Mascia, Bartholomew Ogbeche (C)

DID YOU KNOW?

  • NorthEast have won just twice in the month of December over the last four seasons.
  • 12 of the 14 goals scored by NorthEast have been by foreigners.
  • Jamshedpur have not lost a home match in this season so far.

FANSPEAK

Which playmaker will give their team the edge?

  • Carlos Calvo
  • Federico Gallego

Catch the match live on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV from 7:30 PM.