ISL 2024-25: Jamshedpur and East Bengal Prepare for a Showdown in Kolkata
Click to start listening
Kolkata, Dec 20 (NationPress) Jamshedpur FC is determined to secure their inaugural league double over East Bengal FC as they meet in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) on Saturday.
The Men of Steel achieved a 2-0 win in the previous encounter on October 5, and a repeat clean sheet this weekend would represent the first occasion they manage consecutive shutouts against the Red & Gold Brigade in the league.
After overcoming a three-match losing streak, Jamshedpur FC enters this match riding high on the back of two consecutive victories in their latest outings. However, they have conceded the second-most goals in the ISL 2024-25 (21), trailing only the 10th-placed Kerala Blasters FC. A strong start and recent resurgence have positioned them in the playoff spots (6th), but the visitors must be at their best since the margins separating teams in the standings are razor-thin.
East Bengal FC has let in multiple goals in their last two home fixtures. Should this trend continue, it would mark their longest such streak in ISL history. The Red & Gold Brigade must be cautious, as Jamshedpur FC has scored five times in their last two matches.
Entering this match with momentum, East Bengal FC has triumphed in three of their last four ISL games (L1), a significant turnaround from their winless start to the season (D1 L6). Another victory would equal their joint-highest win tally (4) after 12 games in a season, matching the record from 2023-24.
Jamshedpur FC has faced challenges on the road, failing to find the net in each of their last two away games. They have never experienced three consecutive away matches without scoring in ISL history, and the Red and Gold Brigade will aim to prevent this unwanted record.
Jamshedpur FC has averaged 26.8 touches per game in their own box, the highest of any team this season. Additionally, they have conceded eight goals from outside the box, the most by any side this season, highlighting their vulnerability to long-range strikes.
In their nine encounters thus far, East Bengal FC and Jamshedpur FC have recorded two and four wins respectively, with three matches ending in draws and an average of two goals scored per game.
Head coach of East Bengal FC, Oscar Bruzon, has emphasized his desire for the team to adopt an offensive approach in matches.
“I consider myself an attacking coach. My game philosophy is about creating more chances than the opponent. We aim to take risks to secure victories. Minimizing risks and playing scared undermines our objectives,” Bruzon stated.
On the other hand, Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil stressed the importance of focusing on one game at a time and highlighted the necessity of winning against East Bengal FC.
“We are concentrating on our gameplay. We must maintain a positive mindset. Our primary goal right now is to secure a positive outcome in tomorrow’s match. It’s a crucial game for us,” Jamil commented.
