ISL 2024-25: Jamshedpur Seeks League Double Against Mumbai City

Mumbai, Jan 11 (NationPress) Mumbai City FC will clash with Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Mumbai Football Arena this Sunday. The Islanders are determined to recover after a disappointing home defeat, while the Red Miners aim to achieve a league double over Mumbai City FC for the second time in ISL history (also during 2018-19), having secured victory in the reverse fixture with a score of 3-2 on September 21, 2024.

A victory for Jamshedpur FC in this encounter would signify just their second instance of consecutive wins against Mumbai City FC, the first being a run of three wins between February 2018 and 2019.

Mumbai City FC has struggled with consistency at home, suffering two losses in their last five matches at the Mumbai Football Arena, including a 0-3 defeat to NorthEast United FC on December 30. The last time they experienced consecutive home losses was in early 2023.

On the other hand, Jamshedpur FC's away performance has been poor, facing four straight losses in away matches and failing to score in three of those games. The Red Miners are keen to avoid equalling their longest losing streak on the road, which stands at five games between November 2022 and January 2023.

The Islanders currently sit sixth in the table, gathering 23 points from 14 matches, thanks to six wins and five draws. Jamshedpur FC is positioned fourth, amassing 24 points from 13 games, having claimed all three points in four of their last five encounters. The Red Miners are just three points behind second-placed Bengaluru FC (27) and possess a game in hand (13) compared to the Blues (14) as well. Despite facing a brief downturn earlier, a robust start and a strong recovery have positioned them well in the standings, which they should aim to capitalize on at the Islanders' home ground.

Petr Kratky, boasting a 56.25 win percentage in ISL, ranks just behind Des Buckingham at 57.45 percent and Sergio Lobera at 56.52 percent (minimum of two games managed) among all previous head coaches of Mumbai City FC, will seek to halt Jamshedpur FC's progress and regain their winning form at home.

Mumbai City FC has allowed multiple goals in their last two matches, following a streak of four clean sheets. The last instance they conceded two or more goals in consecutive matches was in 2022 (three matches). The team will need to restructure their defensive organization against a Jamshedpur FC side that has found the back of the net eight times in their last five games.

Despite a low shot conversion rate of 8.4 percent, the Islanders maintain a shooting accuracy of 42.4 percent, ranking fourth in the league this season. They must seize their opportunities to penetrate Jamshedpur FC's defense, which has conceded only twice in their last three matchups.

Jamshedpur FC has recorded the lowest possession in the league this season (41.1 percent), significantly trailing Mumbai City FC's 55.4 percent. The Red Miners have surpassed 50 percent possession in just two of their 13 matches. They typically absorb pressure from their opponents before counter-attacking, aided by swift players on the flanks and efficient finishes upfront.

Muhammed Uvais has emerged as a key player for Jamshedpur FC, averaging 9.7 final third entries per game, the second-highest among Indian outfielders this season. Uvais has also shown defensive prowess, with 11 interceptions, 18 tackles won, 39 clearances, 52 recoveries, and 26 passes per game at a 71 percent accuracy.

In their 15 encounters in the competition, Jamshedpur FC has claimed seven victories, while Mumbai City FC has won five, with three matches ending in draws.

Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky emphasized the importance of securing all three points in this match.

“Regardless of our opponent, every game holds significance for me. We must win, and that is our top priority. Playing good football increases our chances of success,” he stated.

Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil highlighted the necessity of securing a positive result in tomorrow’s match.

“It’s an away game, making it crucial. We must take full responsibility and exert effort to achieve a favorable outcome,” he said.