Panaji: Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC are both looking to bounce back from recent losses when they meet at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on tonight. This Indian Super League match is especially important for both teams as they seek to regain momentum in this season.
The match will feature some familiar faces, including coach Owen Coyle and players Farukh Choudhary and Daniel Chima Chukwu, who are returning to their old team, Jamshedpur FC. Coyle led Jamshedpur to a championship victory in the 2021-22 season, so he can expect a warm welcome from the home fans.
So far this season, both teams have shown strong performances, but they faced setbacks in their last games. Jamshedpur suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to NorthEast United FC, while Chennaiyin lost 3-2 to Punjab FC in New Delhi. Both teams are eager to regroup and avoid falling into a pattern of consecutive losses.
Meanwhile, Owen Coyle has faced Jamshedpur FC four times in the ISL, winning two and drawing two, which means he has yet to lose against them. His teams have scored 11 goals against Jamshedpur, his highest tally against any coach in the league. This gives him confidence going into the match. Chennaiyin FC has been effective with their wing play this season, averaging 26.5 crosses per game, the highest in the league. Coyle’s strategy emphasizes spreading the play and making precise crosses into the box, relying on his forwards to finish the chances.
Jamshedpur FC's head coach, Khalid Jamil, is determined to bounce back after their recent loss. He stated, “We faced a big loss, so it’s time to put in the efforts and perform better. We had enough time to reflect and rectify our mistakes and we will try to do that tomorrow.”
On the other hand, Owen Coyle praised Jamil, calling him an “excellent coach” who has made the most of his opportunity at Jamshedpur. However, he emphasized that his team will be focused on securing the three points in the upcoming match.
Jamshedpur FC has a solid track record at home against Chennaiyin, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches at this venue. They’ve won once and drawn three times. Chennaiyin's last win at the JRD Tata Sports Complex was nearly seven years ago, in December 2017, when they won 1-0. Will Chennaiyin manage to change their fortunes this time?
Jamshedpur FC is currently on a three-game home winning streak, scoring at least two goals in each match. A win in this game would mark their longest home winning streak in ISL history, which would be a significant boost for the team and their fans.
Key highlights:
In their last 14 meetings in the ISL:
- Chennaiyin FC: 6 wins
- Jamshedpur FC: 3 wins
- Draws: 5 matches
