A rivalry that went right down to the wire last campaign, Thursday’s encounter between Jamshedpur FC and FC Goa at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur promises to keep the fans on the edge of their seats. Jamshedpur have endured a mixed start to Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19 with a host of draws, while Goa have continued their knack of scoring goals for fun. But can the Gaurs cope without their influential striker Ferran Corominas?

JAMSHEDPUR FC

After beginning the campaign with a stunning victory at Mumbai, Jamshedpur have drawn their four subsequent matches. The major concern for Cesar Ferrando will be his side’s inability to hold a lead. They lost two valuable points by surrendering a two-goal lead against Kerala Blasters FC in their last fixture.

Against Goa, maintaining a solid backline will be of utmost importance, especially given the opposition’s attacking prowess and ruthlessness in front of goal. Key to Jamshedpur’s attacking exploits will be their Spanish contingent. At least, one from the trio of Mario Arques, Sergio Cidoncha and Pablo Morgado have been involved in every single goal the team has scored so far. Michael Soosairaj and Tim Cahill will be looking to get on the scoresheet again after getting off the mark against Kerala. Looking at Goa’s leaky defence, Jamshedpur will fancy themselves to score a few on Thursday.

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

FC Goa

Sergio Lobera’s men have had an exhilarating start to their 2018-19 campaign, picking up 10 points out of a possible 12. The Gaurs currently lead the goal-scoring charts with 14 goals, four more than table-toppers NorthEast United FC.  However, the major concern for Lobera will be the absence of their star forward Corominas, who has been involved in 10 of those 14 goals. The Spaniard has been ruled out of the match, owing to a red card he picked up against FC Pune City.

Manvir Singh is the only recognisable striker who could take his place, but the forward is yet to make a mark in the Hero ISL. Miguel Fernandez could also find a starting berth, given Corominas’ absence. The new recruit has impressed when given the opportunity and has the ability to cause problems for the Jamshedpur defence. However, the midfield combination of Ahmed Jahouh and Edu Bedia will be pivotal to the forwards’ chances of finding the back of the net. Jahouh’s passing range complemented with Bedia’s creativity will come in handy for the likes of Jackichand Singh and Hugo Boumous.

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

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

JAMSHEDPUR: Subrata Paul (GK), Robin Gurung, Tiri, Dhanachandra Singh, Yumnam Raju, Mario Arques, Memo, Michael Soosairaj, Farukh Choudhary, Sergio Cidoncha, Tim Cahill (C)

GOA: Mohammad Nawaz (GK), Seriton Fernandes, Chinglensana Singh, Mourtada Fall, Mandar Rao Dessai (C), Ahmed Jahouh, Jackichand Singh, Hugo Boumous, Edu Bedia, Miguel Fernandez, Manvir Singh

DID YOU KNOW?

• FC Goa have scored the most goals (14) this season. 12 of those have come from inside the box.
• Jackichand Singh is the joint second highest Indian goal-scorer this season along with Thoi Singh, CK Vineeth and Rowllin Borges.
• Jamshedpur have drawn their last four matches in a row.

FANSPEAK

Which Spaniard will have the final say in the match?

• Sergio Cidoncha
• Edu Bedia

Have your say in the comments section below. 

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