ISL 2017, Match 33: Jamshedpur FC vs Chennaiyin FC, Probable XI

Modified Dec 28, 2017 13:55 IST

The Chennai side played out a 1-1 draw against Kerala in their previous match

Jamshedpur FC are ready to host the table-toppers Chennaiyin FC in their third home game of ISL 2017 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur. This is going to be an exciting battle between the Chennai attack and strong Jamshedpur defence.

Jamshedpur FC are undoubtedly the best defensive side of ISL 2017 and have conceded just 1 goal in their 6 matches. At the same time, they have also scored just 2 goals in 6 games, which is also the least by any side in this season. Jamshedpur are coming here at the back of a win against Bengaluru FC and will aim for their first home win of the season tonight.

On the other side, Chennaiyin FC are currently at the top of the league table with 4 wins and a draw in 7 games. They have played out a draw against defensively strong Kerala Blasters in their previous game and will surely have to raise the bar to take home all 3 points tonight.

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC head coach Steve Coppell is quite happy with the overall performance of the team so far this season. However, he accepted the goal conversion ratio is one of the biggest concerns of his side and they are working really hard to overcome the problem. He will surely like to end the year on a good note and get into top half of the league table.

With Mehtab Hossain declared fit, Anas Edathodika is the only injury concern for Jamshedpur FC. In absence of Anas, we are not expecting him to make any changes in the starting XI. He will continue to field his boys in his favoured formation of 4-2-3-1 focusing more on defence.

Jamshedpur FC Probable Starting XI: Paul, Bikey, Tiri, Shouvik, Souvik, Memo, Mehtab, Jerry, Jairu, Trindade, Belfort.

Chennaiyin FC

The season 2 champions are currently at the top of the table with a difference of just one point from the second-placed Goa. Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory would like to extend their lead at the top of the table and quite aware of his counterpart Steve Coppell during his time with English clubs.

Gregory is expecting a very tough challenge from defensively strong Jamshedpur FC side and accepted the need to work really hard to beat this side. With no injury concerns with the side, we are expecting Gregory Nelson and Dhanpal Ganesh to start in place of Thapa and Jude Nworuh.

He will look to continue his preferred formation of 4-2-3-1 to keep a balance between attack and defence. Mohammed Rafi might make an early appearance or start in place of Jeje against his former coach.

Chennaiyin FC Probable Starting XI: Karanjit, Calderon, Sereno, Mailson, Jerry, Bikramjit, Dhanpal, Francisco, Nelson, Augusto, Jeje.

Edited by Shraishth Jain