ISL 2017, Match 13: Jamshedpur FC vs ATK, Predicted XI
After a brilliant defensive show in two away games debutants of ISL 2017, Jamshedpur FC are ready to welcome the defending champions to JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur for their first ever home game. Both teams have not had a taste of victory so far in their first two games.
With courtesy of their excellent defence, Jamshedpur FC are one of the two teams alongside Kerala Blasters to have not conceded a single goal so far in ISL 2017. However, they are also one of the 3 teams that have not managed to find the back of the net so far this season and will have to change this number quickly.
On the other side, defending champions ATK are also searching for their first win this season and are approaching this game on the back of a big home defeat against FC Pune City by 4 goals to just 1. ATK were completely outclassed in the 2nd half against the Stallions and will look to go all guns blazing in tonight to win their first game against the debutants.
Let’s see what both sides have to offer in their second game of the ISL 2017.
Jamshedpur FC
The Jamshedpur gaffer Steve Coppell has all the reasons to be proud of their defensive performance so far in ISL 2017. However, injury to their center back Anas Edathodika will be a major concern for the Englishman as he was also their most expensive draft pick.
Coppell will have to make two changes to fill that void, and Cameroonian defender Andre Bikey is most likely to take Anas’s place in the starting XI. That means Memo will have to sit on bench. This will be an opportunity for Farukh Chaudhari to make his first start in ISL 2017.
He is expected to field his side in a balanced formation of 4-4-2, with Mehtab playing in more of a defensive role in the absence of Anas.
Jamshedpur FC Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Paul, Shouvik, Souvik, Tiri, Bikey, Farukh, Mehtab, Trindade, Jerry, Belfort, Azuka.
ATK
ATK are approaching this tough away fixture on the back of their worst ever defensive performance in ISL. Their head coach Teddy Sheringham would like brush that off and make a fresh start against Jamshedpur.
Sheringham is not expected to make any changes now due to injury to key players like Jayesh Rane, Robbie Keane, Carl Baker etc. However, we might see an early appearance of Tata Football Academy product Robin Singh as a substitute. He is expected to field his side in 4-4-2 formation as well, with Zequinha playing alongside Kuqi.
ATK Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Paul, Prabir, Thorpe, Jordi, Keegan, Hitesh, Bipin, Thomas, Lyngdoh, Zequinha, Kuqi.
Prediction:
Jamshedpur FC 1-1 ATK
We are expecting Jamshedpur getting their first ISL goal in their first home game as well as to concede their first goal of the season. However, both teams will have to wait for some more time to find their first win in ISL 2017.