Bhubaneswar, September 27: Odisha FC clash against Jamshedpur FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar as the Juggernauts aim to get their first points in the table in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Saturday, September 28, at 5:00 pm IST.

Jamshedpur FC have started the campaign with two victories in a row – the last of which was a stunning 3-2 comeback win against Mumbai City FC, whereas Odisha FC were at the receiving end of a narrow 2-1 loss against table-toppers Punjab FC. Odisha FC have been defeated in both their games so far this season.

Odisha FC’s formidable record against Jamshedpur FC

·       The Juggernauts are chasing their third straight victory against Jamshedpur FC, having won thrice in their previous four encounters against them. This marks a comeback from their preceding six encounters with the Red Miners before this streak began, where they had won only once and were defeated four times. Will the Sergio Lobera-coached side continue their positive momentum against Jamshedpur FC?

Jamshedpur FC’s goal-scoring run

·       The Red Miners have found the back of the net more than twice in each of their last three ISL matches, showing the cohesiveness of their frontline. Their previous and only longer such streak was a sequence of six matches from February-March 2022.

“I believe 200% in my players”

Sergio Lobera has reiterated his trust in his players as they pursue a positive result in this new campaign. He is hoping to infuse confidence in the squad and work with them closely to see them through difficult moments.

“This is my work. I need to work with my players and give them confidence. I need to be close to them, especially in difficult situations. I trust in my players; I believe in them 200%. We are going to improve,” Lobera said.

“We must keep going with the same spirit”

Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil has encouraged his players to sustain their positive spirits to continue delivering the required results. As of now, he is taking things one game at a time.

“Everyone has worked really hard; that’s why we have won the games. We must keep going with the same spirit. It’s better for us to think about the next game,” Jamil said.

Head-to-Head
 
The two teams have squared off against each other 14 times in the ISL, with Jamshedpur FC holding the upper hand, thanks to their eight wins. Odisha FC have won four times, whereas two fixtures have resulted in a draw.

Key Players & Milestones

·       Diego Mauricio (5 goals) is two goal contributions away from Greg Stewart (3 goals & 3 assists) to become the leading goal contributor in this fixture in the ISL. Two of the Brazilian’s eight braces in the ISL have come against Jamshedpur FC, which is joint-highest against any team (two against Kerala Blasters FC).
·       After the match against Mumbai City FC last Saturday, Jamshedpur FC’s Javi Hernandez became only the eighth player to score twice and win back possession 10 times in a single ISL match.
·       Jamshedpur FC’s Stephen Eze’s 13 clearances against Mumbai City FC was the most by any player in a single game since the start of 2024.
·       Odisha FC’s Thoiba Singh is one away from completing 50 appearances in the ISL.

ISL Fantasy Picks

Javi Hernandez (9.6cr)

Has accumulated 14 fantasy points in the two matchweeks so far

Hugo Boumous (8.5cr)

Has earned 17 fantasy points in the two matchweeks so far

Indian Super League is being streamed live free on JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam) and telecasted live on Sports 18 — 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam). Additionally Sports 18 — 1, Sports 18 — 2 and Sports 18 — Khel is also telecasting select ISL matches LIVE.