Two teams battling for the playoff spots will lock horns at the JRD Tata Sports Complex as Jamshedpur FC hosts the well-placed Mumbai City FC in Match 72 of the Hero Indian Super League.
It would be a surprise to see the team with only two defeats is placed fifth on the table. However, evading loses didn't get Jamshedpur FC enough wins, which has pushed them down under the other four teams, with 20 points from 14 games.
JFC started well this season, remaining unbeaten for the first seven matches. Cessar Ferrando has also made good use of the gifted bunch of players he was allotted with.
But now, Jamshedpur FC is at a state of concern as their path ahead wouldn't be smooth without a win against Mumbai.
Mumbai City FC has been enjoying a strong season till now. The team has registered noteworthy wins but has now ended on the wrong side of a 2-0 defeat to FC Goa.
After Bengaluru FC drawing with Kerala Blasters FC, it would be a great opportunity for the Islanders to lessen the gap in points between the table toppers.
Jorge Costa's side, with 27 points from 14 games are placed second on the points table. Three points from Jamshedpur FC would also mean that the Islanders is only inches away from another playoffs berth.
ALSO SEE: ISL Standings | ISL Schedule | ISL Results
Jamshedpur FC vs Mumbai City FC: Match Information
Date: 8 February 2019
Kickoff: 7:30 PM IST
Live Stream: Star Sports Network and Hotstar
Live commentary: Jamshedpur FC vs Mumbai City Live Score | Commentary and Updates
Venue: JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur
Jamshedpur FC vs Mumbai City FC: Team News
Jamshedpur FC
Jamshedpur FC will be forced to play yet another game without the Australian legend Tim Cahill. He has not recovered from the finger injury.
Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC too has a doubt on the start of their star striker Modou Sougou. The Senegalese international had missed the previous match and is doubtful for this fixture.
Jamshedpur FC vs Mumbai City FC: Probable Lineups
Jamshedpur FC (4-3-2-1): Subrata Paul, Robin Gurung, Pratik Chowdhary, Tiri, Dhanachandra Singh, Memo, Mario Arques, Bikash Jairu, Farukh Choudhary, Sergio Cidoncha, Sumeet Passi
Mumbai City FC (4-2-3-1): Amrinder Singh, Sauvik Chakrabarti, Lucian Goian, Anwar Ali, Subhasish Bose, Arnold Issoko, Raynier Fernandes, Milan Singh, Paulo Machado, Matias Mirabaje, Paulo Machado
Jamshedpur FC vs Mumbai City FC: Form Guide
Jamshedpur FC: L-D-W-D-D
Mumbai City: L-W-W-D-W
Jamshedpur FC vs Mumbai City FC: Head-to-Head
Jamshedpur FC: 2
Mumbai City: 0
Draw: 1
Jamshedpur FC vs Mumbai City FC: Key Players
Jamshedpur FC
Jamshedpur FC has an important link-up between Mario Arques and Memo in the midfield. Both the players have an average of 60 passes per match, which highlights their vital role in winning possession. Arques and Memo are intact in their defensive duties too, with 38 and 43 tackles respectively.
Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC will have key duties assigned to Paulo Machado and Rafael Bastos. With Modou Sougou depended on too much, it will be vital for Machado and Bastos to take up the responsibilities of gathering the attacks. Machado has two goals and three assists, while Bastos has 3 each of both, for MCFC.
Jamshedpur FC vs Mumbai City FC: Predictions
Though Mumbai City FC is superior on the table, Jamshedpur FC does have the firepower to give the hosts some hard time.
Jamshedpur FC will be in need of a win against Mumbai, but even a draw will be a good result for Cessar Ferrando's team. But, in the present scenario, the odds are all in favor of Mumbai City.
Predicted Score - Jamshedpur FC 0-2 Mumbai City FC