Chennaiyin FC host Jamshedpur FC in search of third consecutive victory

Chennai, January 23, 2020: Only one point separates both sides as Chennaiyin FC (7th) take on Jamshedpur FC (6th) in the Hero Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday. The hosts will be aiming to make it three wins in a row, a feat they have not managed since December 2017. A win would also take CFC three points off fourth-placed Odisha FC, having played a game less than the latter.

Head Coach Owen Coyle did reveal that Germanpreet Singh is carrying a niggle and will be assessed before the game, having returned from a one-game suspension. Local lad Edwin Vanspaul slotted in seamlessly alongside Anirudh Thapa in midfield in the 2-0 win over NorthEast United one week back, as Laldinliana Renthlei also put in a good performance at right back, now giving the gaffer a welcome selection headache.

As for the visitors JFC, Head Coach Antonio Iriondo revealed that midfielder Piti is making a recovery but the CFC game might come too soon for him. Striker Sergio Castel though, who made a return from injury in their win over Kerala Blasters recently should be involved against CFC.

Having scored just four goals from their opening six games, CFC have now scored 12 goals in the following six games since Coyle took charge. Lithuanian striker Nerijus Valskis with eight goals has been the target man upfront, getting ample support from the likes of Maltese forward Andre Schembri, Brazilian playmaker Rafael Crivellaro and Mizo speedster Lallianzuala Chhangte.

And with JFC showcasing a shaky away record having won just twice on the road since the start of last season, CFC will be hoping to pile on the misery given their own recent purple patch in front of goal. Skipper Lucian Goian & Co. will also be hoping to add to their clean sheet against NEUFC, which was just their second shut-out of the season. CFC though haven’t beaten JFC in Chennai yet, with two draws in the last two meetings at the Marina Arena.

A fierce contest is on the cards with both teams vying for a coveted top four spot. The head-to-head record between both sides is a striking mirror image with a win each and three draws since Jamshedpur came aboard the ISL bandwagon in the 2017-18 campaign. 

For JFC, a second consecutive win will be on the agenda, having ended a six-match winless run with the close win over KBFC. They will be without their captain and central defender Tiri, who suffered damage to his ribs after a coming together with goalkeeper Subrata Pal. His absence, albeit unfortunate, would be something CFC will be hoping to take advantage of.