JFC will have a tough job in hand to square up against the strong Northeast United FC in the Indian Super League tie in Guwahati on Thursday.
After playing two consecutive draws against Bengaluru FC and ATK, coach Cesar Ferrando’s boys need to stitch up a win in order to maintain the momentum in the heady schedule ahead.
JFC stand third on the table with five points from three matches (1 win, 2 draws), behind NUFC who have 7 points from three matches (2 wins and a draw). Bengaluru FC top the list with 7 points from three outings (2 wins and one draw). The club is ahead because of better goal average.
The Tata Steel-owned franchise started their ISL campaign on a winning note by vanquishing Mumbai City FC 2-0 on October 2 before managing a 2-2 draw in the dying stages of an away tie against Bangalore on October 7. JFC played a 1-1 draw at home against ATK on October 21.
Head coach Ferrando is aware about how important it is to put it across NUFC.
“Northeast is very good team and we are looking forward to the challenge. The squad is in good shape. Subrata (Paul) is a very experienced goalkeeper and he is now available for selection,” the Spaniard said.
“We have four matches in 10 days so I will be looking to rotate my players and use the bench more,” Ferrando added.
Star goalie Paul, who walked home with the golden gloves award in the last ISL season, has already served a three-match suspension.
After taking on Northeast, Jamshedpur face Kerala Blasters FC on October 29 and FC Goa on November 1 at home before flying to Delhi to clash with Delhi Dynamos FC on November 4.
JFC looks a crack unit and a win over NUFC will not only boost the team’s morale but also make the onward journey a bit smooth. Jamshedpur finished fifth in the last season and every effort has been made to improve upon last season’s performance.
JFC CEO Mukul Chaudhari, who also feels Northeast is a good side, said they were ready to meet the challenge. “We are aware about the strength of our opponents. We will try our best to come up with a win,” he added.
