ISL 2017: Preview – Jamshedpur vs ATK- Hunger for goals may yield an end-to-end game

JAMSHEDPUR NEED TO MAKE the most of the home support in their first home game tomorrow (December 1) against ATK. The newest franchise is now two matches senior in the Indian Super League and have got a hang of what is expected from them to bring to the field.

Two points from the first two games for Jamshedpur FC may not be pleasing many but every point counts in a league. ATK, the defending champions, have also not got things going in their direction in the two games played.

For Jamshedpur, the defence Anas and Tiri have struck up a good partnership centrally. But Anas' limping off due to an injury in the last game, could pose worries for Steve Coppell. Apart from just warding off dangers, the defence of Jamshedpur has not been able to contribute much to the team. Compare that to the defence of ATK and you will see the support from wing backs Keegan and Prabir has been excellent. If Jamshedpur are to score their first goal of the season in this game, they must use overlapping runs from both flanks to create lot more scoring chances.

ATK have a number of players gifted with pace and but only a handful with the touch to finish in front of goal. That is one reason that despite seeing more of the ball and creating chances, they have scored just one goal so far. The midfield of Jamshedpur consisting of the experienced, Mehtab Hossain, together with Memo, Trindade and Belfort have not been impactful. In the last game, Coppell introduced the speedy winger Doutie in the second half to inject pace and captitalise on the reduced speed of tired players. He too could not deliver the goods for the team. ATK have a great midfield but probably the choice and positioning of players needs to be tweaked to squeeze out the best from all players.  

More shots on target increases the likelihood of goals coming in and Jamshedpur have shied away from taking their shots. In the last game, Jamshedpur tested the keeper on numerous occasions but Paul Rachubka stood like an unbeatable hurdle. Jamshedpur will require new ideas to come from Jerry and Azuka to get the goals for the team. The defending champions would wish to have Robbie Keane back soon, if that is how they goals can start flowing.

The match between Jamshedpur FC and ATK will be played at JRD Tats Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on December 1 at 8 pm.

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