ISL 2017, Match 39: Jamshedpur FC vs Mumbai City FC, Probable XI
Jamshedpur FC are ready to welcome the Mumbai City FC in their 4th home game of ISL 2017 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Friday. Interestingly, fans are still waiting for the first ISL win of the new year as the first two games of 2018 have ended in draws with identical scorelines of 1 goal each.
Jamshedpur have been one of the best defensive sides of ISL 2017 with just 2 goals conceded in 7 games but have failed to impress at home. They have lost two games in this season and both of them have come while playing at home. Jamshedpur are still searching for their first home win in the league and will aim to achieve it tonight.
On the other side, Mumbai City FC are coming on the back of two consecutive wins against NorthEast and Delhi. More importantly, they have managed to keep a clean sheet in both the games. However, Mumbai have also struggled away from home and managed to win just one out of their four games away from home.
Considering the home and away forms of both sides, this is going to be an exciting encounter tonight. We might get the first winner of ISL 2017 tonight in Jamshedpur.
Jamshedpur FC
Jamshedpur FC head coach Steve Coppell eagerly wants his side to score some goals as they have managed to score just two goals in 7 games, which is the joint-lowest of the season along with the Highlanders. They are not even converting from spot-kicks, having missed two penalties this season. However, he is quite happy with the consistent performance of their defence.
With no injury concerns, we are expecting Izu Azuka and Farukh Choudhary to replace Mehtab and Belfort in the starting XI to provide more attacking options upfront. He is expected to field his side in the 4-1-3-2 formation to provide more fire-power in attack.
Jamshedpur FC Probable Starting XI: Paul, Bikey, Tiri, Souvik, Shouvik, Memo, Trindade, Jairu, Jerry, Farukh, Azuka.
Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC head coach Alexandre Gumiaraes is quite happy with the recent form of his side. Coming on the back of successive wins, he is hoping to continue the momentum at the crucial stage of the league. The Costa Rican coach believes that breaking the Jamshedpur defence is one of the toughest challenges of the season.
Mumbai City FC are not known to make too many changes to their side without any injuries and suspension. The only change we are expecting is of Wadoo replacing suspended Sehnaj Singh. Gumiaraes is expected to continue his favoured formation of 3-2-4-1 to use the flanks to great effect.
Mumbai City FC Probable Starting XI: Arindam, Wadoo, Goian, Raju, Vieira, Sanju, Ruidas, E. Santos, Emana, T. Santos, Balwant.
Prediction
Jamshedpur FC 1-0 Mumbai City FC
It will be a tough task for Mumbai City FC to break the strong defensive wall of Jamshedpur FC. We are expecting Jamshedpur to register their first home victory of the season.