ISL: Jamshedpur host Odisha with slim hopes of title win

With the chance of grabbing the Indian Super League (ISL) title still alive, Jamshedpur FC host Odisha FC at JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Thursday.
But to realise the dream, the Men of Steel must win the last league fixture of the season against the 12th ranked visitors and hope the results of other three last-round matches on the day go in their favour. Five teams are mathematically in contention for the coveted silverware, promising it to be a dramatic final day in the top-tier of Indian football.
Presently the Red Miners are sixth on the table with 21 points from 12 matches, and a win will take them to 24 points. East Bengal lead the chart with 23 points while Mohun Bagan Super Giant are second on inferior goal difference. Punjab FC take on Mumbai City with both teams locked on 22 points each and need to draw their game for JFC’s good. Also, EB and MBSG both must not win their respective games to help JFC further.
With the equations to win the championship doing the rounds, JFC have their task cut out and coach Owen Coyle clarified the scenario to win the game and title.
“The first thing that must happen is we must win our game,” Coyle said ahead of the game on Wednesday.
But in Odisha, the home side will be facing a team who has nothing to lose and only a winning end to the season to play for. “Odisha FC have some very good players, especially in attack. Rahim Ali (availability for JFC game uncertain with injury), Isak Vanlalruatfela, Rahul KP and Puitea (Lalthathanga Khawlhring) are all talented players, and they also have some exciting young talent. We respect their quality, but our focus is entirely on winning the game. That is what we need to do,” Coyle added stressing on their job.


JFC captain Stephen Eze echoed his coach’s confidence at the pre-match media interaction. “We are not playing under any pressure. Other teams have more pressure than us. We just need to play our normal game, fight for every ball and get the three points,” said the Nigerian defender.
“We don’t underrate any team. They have nothing to lose and can spoil it for you. We need to make sure we keep the back line clean and convert our chances,” he added.
Odisha FC will miss captain Carlos Delgado at the centre of the defence in the season-ending match as the Spaniard picked up an injury in the last game against Punjab FC which they lost 2-3 at home.A win against JFC can take TG Purushothaman’s side one spot up to 11th at the most with 13 points, but more importantly crush JFC’s hopes.
Jamshedpur, however, will leave no stone unturned to present their home fans with a chance to make it a memorable night at the Furnace.