ISL 2022-23: Playoff challenge on the line as Chennaiyin FC Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC to host Chennaiyin FC in Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 match at JRD Tata Play Complicated, here on Saturday, having a playoff challenge on the line.

Jamshedpur FC are currently placed 10th with five points on the board, while Chennaiyin FC are placed 7th with 14 points on the board and FC Goa and Odisha FC have lost their playoff berths after both the teams dropped points in recent weeks. There is a chance to challenge. ,

Chennaiyin have a game against both these teams and two wins in their next two matches can propel them straight into the playoff zone on the standings.

However, both sides are coming on the back of losses in this fixture. Jamshedpur FC lost 3-1 to an inspired Kerala Blasters side in Kochi, and Chennaiyin FC were hit hard before losing 2-1 to in-form Mumbai City FC.

Despite sticking to the back-three formation that earned them a point against FC Goa two weeks ago, Jamshedpur FC could not keep up with the high-pressing approach of Kerala Blasters last week. It remains to be seen whether their head coach Eddie Boothroyd will stick with this formation in the upcoming game or tinker further.

Boothroyd suggested that his side needed to start the games much better.

“It is obviously something that will make a big difference to our points and therefore, our place in the table if we stop conceding these ridiculous goals at crucial times in the match,” the coach said at the pre-match press conference. “

Chennaiyin FC have not won a game since their 7-3 win over Northeast United FC on 10 December. Abdelnasser El Khayati was in fine form that day. He scored a hat-trick in that match and is still leading the ISL goalscoring charts along with Clayton Silva and Lallinzuala Chhangte with seven goals each. With him, Chennaiyin FC is a threat to every team in the league.

Chennaiyin FC head coach Thomas Broderick played down expectations when asked about the top-4 and title-winning ambitions at the pre-match press conference.

“We come here to grow, and we start from zero – from the beginning. We build a team, we grow a team, and we’re competitive,” Broderick said.

The two sides have faced each other 11 times. Chennaiyin FC hold the upper hand in head-to-head meetings with five wins, three losses and three draws. When the two sides met in November, Chennaiyin FC won 3–1. Peter Sliskovic, Vincy Barreto and El Khyati scored for Chennaiyin FC, while Ishan Pandita scored the lone goal for Jamshedpur FC.

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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)