Jamshedpur FC will play host to Kerala Blasters FC in Match 22 of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Monday. Both teams made a bright start to the season, winning their opening match, but have only been able to draw their subsequent fixtures. Jamshedpur currently have six points from their four matches, while Kerala have five, having played one less.

One underlying factor in this tie will be Jamshedpur's less-than-flattering home form and Kerala's stellar away run. Jamshedpur have struggled in their own backyard, winning two, losing two and drawing one in their last five matches at home. Their last victory at their home ground came on 10th February 2018 against NorthEast United FC. In comparison, Kerala have been productive on their travels, winning three, drawing one and losing one of their last five away fixtures. However, in their two Hero ISL meetings last season, Jamshedpur managed to defeat Kerala 2-1 at home, while the match in Kochi ended in a goalless draw. So, Kerala will go into Monday's match hoping for their first Hero ISL win over their opponents.

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur began their Hero ISL 2018-19 campaign with an impressive away victory over Mumbai City FC and looked like one of the teams to look out for this season, especially with their Spanish core featuring Mario Arques, Sergio Cidoncha and Tiri. The team followed it up with a commendable away draw against a strong Bengaluru FC side, but left a lot to be desired in the subsequent matches, notching up draws against ATK and NorthEast United FC.

Despite star signing Tim Cahill failing to hit the target, Jamshedpur haven't had issues scoring goals and have netted a respectable six goals in their four matches so far. The problem for Cesar Ferrando's men has been in the defence, which has looked prone to leaking goals. The team has been guilty of lapse of concentration in their own half, which, more than often, has led to the opponents scoring. Jamshedpur have conceded four goals this season so far. Cahill's inability to affect the play up front will be another worry for Ferrando. The Australian has only managed one shot in his three outings so far. Subrata Paul started in Jamshedpur's last match against NorthEast, and the ace goalkeeper's return will be a big boost for the team.

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

Kerala Blasters FC

Despite having drawn their last two matches, Kerala have looked a solid unit so far, well-rounded in both attack and defence. All four of Kerala's attacking players, Matej Poplatnik, CK Vineeth, Halicharan Narzary and Slavisla Stojanovic, have pitched in with a goal each this campaign. However, Kerala have taken a whopping 48 shots at goal in the three matches so far, but only four ended up hitting the back of the net. Head coach David James will look to fine-tune his attacking strategy to ensure better returns from the chances his team is creating.

In defence, captain Sandesh Jhingan has led from the front and has looked like one of the most impressive defenders in the Hero ISL this season. The 25-year-old has won 10 out of his 13 aerial duels so far and his ability in the air may become a crucial piece to tackle Jamshedpur midfielder Mario Arques’ long passes from the deep.

A lot of eyes will be on James’ team sheet for the match, especially his goalkeeping selection. The Englishman opted to start Kerala’s first two matches with the young Dheeraj Singh in goal but gave Naveen Kumar a start in the last match against Delhi. It will be interesting to see if James sustains with Naveen or brings Dheeraj back into the starting XI against Jamshedpur. Kerala defender Anas Edathodika will also be available for selection for the first time this season after serving a three-match suspension and James may be just tempted to change his formation to accommodate him in the XI.

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

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

Jamshedpur FC: Subrata Paul (GK), Tiri (C), Pratik Chowdhary, Yumnam Raju, Robin Gurung, Mario Arques, Memo, Jerry Mawhmingthanga, Michael Soosairaj, Sergio Cidoncha, Tim Cahill

Kerala Blasters FC: Naveen Kumar (GK), Mohamad Rakip, Sandesh Jhingan (C), Nemanja Lakic-Pesic, Lalruatthara, Nikola Krcmarevic, Sahal Abdul Samad, Seiminlen Doungel, Halicharan Narzary, Slavisla Stojanovic, CK Vineeth

DID YOU KNOW?

• Tim Cahill has taken one shot at goal and provided one key pass in his 173 minutes of playing time this season.
• Sandesh Jhingan has won more than 50% of his tackles this season.
• Kerala has never beaten Jamshedpur in the Hero ISL.

FANSPEAK

Which defender will have the biggest influence in the match?

• Tiri
• Sandesh Jhingan

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.