ISL 2024-25: NorthEast United Aims for Victory in Fifth Consecutive Away Match Against Jamshedpur FC
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Synopsis
NorthEast United FC faces Jamshedpur FC in the ISL 2024-25, aiming to extend their unbeaten away streak. With a strong performance and previous victory, they seek to secure crucial points while Jamshedpur aims to protect their home record.
Key Takeaways
- NorthEast United is unbeaten in four away matches.
- Jamshedpur FC has not lost at home against NorthEast United.
- Both teams are competing for playoff positions.
- Jamshedpur has a strong home record in the current campaign.
- NorthEast faces suspensions of key players.
Jamshedpur, Feb 12 (NationPress) In pursuit of continued success on the road, NorthEast United FC is set to face Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Thursday. The Highlanders are currently unbeaten in their last four away games and are eager to extend this streak.
Earlier this season, the Highlanders achieved a remarkable 5-0 victory over the Red Miners in Guwahati. Another win would enable Jamshedpur FC to become the seventh opponent against whom the visitors have secured a league double in this competition.
However, Jamshedpur FC has not suffered defeat in any of their five home matches against NorthEast United FC, having drawn three times. Interestingly, the Highlanders are the only team against whom Jamshedpur has managed to maintain multiple clean sheets at home (3) in the league.
Jamshedpur FC has been performing well at home this season, winning eight out of their ten games. Only Odisha FC (10 wins in 2023-24), Mohun Bagan Super Giant (9 in 2024-25), and FC Goa (9 in 2023-24) have more home victories in a single ISL campaign.
With 34 points from 19 matches, including 11 wins and one draw, Jamshedpur FC aims to remain in contention for the second spot currently held by FC Goa with 36 points. Finishing in the top two guarantees direct qualification for the semifinals, eliminating the need for a single-leg eliminator.
In contrast, NorthEast United FC occupies the sixth position with 29 points, facing stiff competition from Odisha FC (26), Kerala Blasters FC (24), and Punjab FC (24). The Highlanders have secured one win and three draws in their last five matches. With both teams vying for top-six placements, an intense matchup is anticipated.
Jamshedpur’s Foreign Talent
The Red Miners have seen six different foreign players score this season, while only Punjab FC has more with seven. They have struggled with domestic goal-scorers, as only three Indian players have found the net, the lowest across all ISL teams. Overall, Jamshedpur ranks seventh in total goals scored (30).
Jamshedpur FC’s Albino Gomes leads the league with 75 saves this season, successfully stopping all three penalty attempts he has faced, instilling confidence and stability in the goal for Khalid Jamil’s squad.
Head coach Khalid Jamil remains focused on the upcoming match, stating, “In our last encounter, we didn’t achieve a favorable result. We must approach this match with a positive mindset and put in the effort.”
NorthEast United's Offensive Prowess
The Highlanders lead the ISL in expected goals (xG) for the 2024-25 season with a figure of 29.95. They have excelled in finishing, surpassing their xG by 7.05, netting a total of 37 goals. However, their attacking strategy will be hampered by the suspension of two key Indian players, Jithin M.S. and Macarton Nickson, for this match.
NorthEast United FC remains unbeaten in their last four away games, and the last time they achieved a longer stretch was five matches between October and December 2018. Will they match that record with a positive result in Jamshedpur?
Head coach Juan Pedro Benali has a clear objective for the upcoming match: to secure three points. He remarked, “Jamshedpur FC is a very dangerous team. Any mistake can lead to a goal. We must gather as many points as possible to qualify for the playoffs.”
The two clubs have met 15 times in the ISL, with Jamshedpur FC winning six matches while NorthEast United FC has triumphed in three. Six matches have ended in draws.
