ISL 2017/18, Match 49: Jamshedpur FC vs Kerala Blasters FC, Probable XI

The two sides played out a 0-0 draw in Kochi earlier

Jamshedpur FC are all set to welcome two-time runners-up Kerala Blasters FC in their fifth home game of the ISL 2017/18 season at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur. Their previous faceoff ended up in a goalless draw played in Kochi.

Despite being the best defensive side of the league, Jamshedpur are currently in eighth place on the league table with just two wins in nine games. The ISL newbies still looking for their first home victory as they have lost two of their four home games and played two draws. At the halfway stage, Jamshedpur FC will surely aim to bounce back quickly to keep their chances for the playoffs alive.

On the other side, the Kerala Blasters seems like a completely different side under the new coach David James. They are coming off the back of two consecutive wins for the first time in this season. The Yellow Army seems to have got the kind of form they have required and will aim to continue the same.

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC head coach Steve Coppell blamed poor referring standards, especially from the Indian referees, for his side’s losses in the last few games. He seems to be quite desperate to win his first home game of the season and there cannot be a better way to make a statement than by registering a win over his former side Kerala Blasters.

With Anas Edathodika and Mehtab Hossain available for selection, we are expecting Anas, Mehtab, Farukh and Belfort to replace Jairu, Jerry, Siddharth and Bikey in the starting XI from the previous game. The Englishman is expected to continue to field his boys in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which can easily transform in 4-3-3 with Belfort and Farukh shifting forward.

Jamshedpur FC Probable Starting XI: Subrata, Souvik, Shouvik, Tiri, Anas, Memo, Mehtab, Trindade, Farukh, Belfort, Azuka.

Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC head coach David James credited the support staff for the exceptional surge by the side in the mid-season. He believes the last game against Mumbai was a tough one but he had confidence in his boys. Unlike his counterpart, James gave referees the benefit of doubt and hoped it will improve with the growth of ISL.

With Vineeth being fully fit and available for selection, we are are expecting Vineeth and Lakic-Pesic to replace Wes Brown and Jackichand in the starting XI. The Englishman is most likely to continue his favoured formation of 4-2-3-1 to keep playing the pressing game.

Kerala Blasters FC Probable Starting XI: Subhasish, Anto, Jhingan, Pesic-Lekic, Lalrutthara, Milan, Kizito, Pekuson, Vineeth, Hume, Sifneos.

Prediction

Jamshedpur FC 0-1 Kerala Blasters FC

In the battle of two English gaffers, we are expecting Kerala Blasters to take home all three points tonight at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur. However, a well-taken set-piece is most likely to decide the outcome of the game between both defensively strong sides.