ISL 2024-25: Kerala Blasters Face Jamshedpur FC in Quest for Top Six

Jamshedpur, Dec 28 (NationPress) Jamshedpur FC will welcome Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex this Sunday. Both teams enter this match following a similar trajectory, having secured two wins and suffered three losses in their last five games. Jamshedpur FC currently occupies the eighth position in the standings, amassing 18 points from six wins in 11 fixtures, whereas Kerala Blasters FC is positioned tenth with 14 points from 13 matches, obtained through four victories and two draws.

This marks the 17th encounter between these teams in the ISL, with Kerala Blasters intent on maintaining their favorable recent performance against Jamshedpur FC.

Kerala Blasters FC are unbeaten in their last six ISL clashes with Jamshedpur FC (W4 D2), having found the net in each of those matches. Both teams have defensive challenges to address, as Kerala Blasters FC has conceded 24 goals, compared to Jamshedpur FC's 22. Both squads will seek to conclude the year positively, aiming to carry momentum into 2025 and narrow the gap to the top six.

In fact, the Men of Steel are currently tied on points with sixth-placed NorthEast United FC (18), highlighting the tightly contested nature of the middle standings.

Jamshedpur FC has scored in each of their last eight home games in the ISL, marking their longest such streak in the league. They have managed to score at least twice in six of those matches. Javi Siverio stands out as the team's leading scorer with four goals, while Jordan Murray and Javi Hernandez each have three.

Despite their offensive capabilities, the Men of Steel have allowed goals in seven of their last eight home matches, emphasizing the need for defensive enhancements. Kerala Blasters FC, who have netted 10 times in their last five matches, will look to exploit Jamshedpur FC's vulnerabilities.

Kerala Blasters FC have consistently scored two goals in each of their last five away games, their longest such streak, although they have also conceded three or more goals in the last three away fixtures. The balance between their attacking aggression and defensive discipline will be crucial for this match's outcome.

This season, Kerala Blasters FC has netted a league-high of 18 goals in the second half, compensating for their sluggish starts with just four first-half goals. Jamshedpur FC must remain vigilant during the latter stages of the game, possibly needing to rotate fresh players early to maintain intensity.

Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil emphasized the significance of achieving a positive result against Kerala Blasters FC. "I am focusing on our team because we want to succeed, so it is essential to think positively. We need to remain focused on our game since this feels like a do-or-die situation for us," said Jamil.

Kerala Blasters FC interim head coach T.G. Purushothaman shared similar sentiments, recognizing Jamshedpur FC's strength on home turf. "We are focused on winning matches. Our goal is to win every game, and that is what we are preparing for. Jamshedpur FC is strong at home, and we will see how we can secure a victory," Purushothaman stated.

In their 16 meetings, Kerala Blasters FC has won five times, while Jamshedpur FC has claimed three victories, with eight matches resulting in draws.