New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) Jamshedpur FC, currently sitting in second place, is eager to ascend to the top of the table as they take on SC Delhi in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi this Thursday.

The Men of Steel hold a position with 12 points from five matches, fully aware that a win will elevate them to the top of the leaderboard, while SC Delhi finds themselves struggling near the bottom with just a single point from four games.

In their last outing, SC Delhi displayed resilience with a second-half comeback from a two-goal deficit, managing a 2-2 draw against Mumbai City FC. On the contrary, Jamshedpur FC faced their first defeat of the season, losing 1-2 to NorthEast United FC in Guwahati.

Prior to their inaugural home match in the capital, SC Delhi head coach Tomasz Tchórz articulated his long-term aspirations. “We are at the beginning of establishing something entirely new here in Delhi, and our emphasis is on constructing a solid foundation through diligent effort, a clear identity, and consistent performances,” he remarked.

“I genuinely believe that if we commit to our process and perform effectively on the field, the results will naturally follow, thereby strengthening our connection with the fans,” the Polish coach added.

Conversely, Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle urged his players to swiftly recover from their narrow defeat and regain their winning form.

“After experiencing a disappointing result, the key is how promptly you respond. We’ve faced a challenging schedule with travel and matches, but this group is honest, diligent, and ready to bounce back,” Coyle emphasized.

“We understand that if we deliver our best performance, we can win any game in this league, and that’s the exact mentality we bring into this match,” he stated.

As SC Delhi navigates their inaugural season under their rebranded identity (having moved from Hyderabad), they carry a competitive history against Jamshedpur FC from previous encounters. In 16 ISL meetings, both teams have an equal record of six wins each, along with four draws.

Their last clash in January 2025 saw the club (then Hyderabad FC) narrowly secure a 3-2 victory. SC Delhi aims to repeat that success and claim their first win under their new identity, while Jamshedpur FC seeks to avenge that defeat and quickly return to winning ways.

SC Delhi midfielder Isaac Vanmalsawma conveyed the team's enthusiasm ahead of this historic event. “This is a significant moment for all of us as players because it's our first home game, and we are incredibly motivated to perform in front of our fans,” he expressed. “We have trained well as a team, the atmosphere in the dressing room is very positive, and we are ready to give our all on the pitch to create a memorable night and secure the win.”

Reinforcing his coach's resolve to rebound, Jamshedpur FC forward Mohammed Sanan expressed confidence in their attacking capabilities. “We are creating opportunities as a team, and for us, it’s about maintaining our hard work and focus; goals and assists will come if we continue improving in the final third,” Sanan remarked. “The mood in the camp is positive, and we are fully focused on the upcoming match and getting back to our winning streak.”

Both teams are set to pursue their respective goals in a match that holds significant implications for both ends of the table. A victory would catapult Jamshedpur FC to the very top of the standings, while a loss could spell trouble for SC Delhi. With so much at stake, both sides will be eager to implement their game strategies and secure the essential points.