Jamshedpur FC

Mumbai City FC are tonight's visitors at the Furnace in a clash that has all the makings of a classic! The Islanders are second in the league table and will put a stern test to Jamshedpur FC's unbeaten record at the Furnace this season. Ahead of tonight's encounter, let us take a closer look at Mumbai City FC.

To put Jorge Costa’s football playing philosophy in simple terms -  it is to soak up the pressure and hit teams on the break. However, simple this might be in theory its implementation on the football pitch is a difficult task. But the Islanders have been successful so far in following their manager's instructions and are currently second on the Indian Super League table.

Mumbai City FC did not have a great start to this season campaign suffering both narrow and heavy loses but the side reacted brilliantly by going on a nine-match unbeaten run where they handed defeat to Bengaluru FC who were themselves unbeaten in the league till that point. Such a run is a commendable achievement for any team in this league!

Mumbai City FC are very good at soaking up the pressure and more importantly have the personnel to do so. Their goalkeeper Amrinder Singh has registered the most saves in the league (43) and the Islanders as a unit have registered the highest number of tackles (458) in only the fourteen games that they have played. For all their efforts, the Islanders also have the most clean sheets in the league, making them one of the hardest teams to break down in the league.

What’s been more impressive is the sheer amount of goals Mumbai City FC have scored on the counter. The Islander are ranked eight on the table for most touches by any side showing that they are comfortable without the ball and they don’t keep possession of the ball just for the sake of it. The passes have genuine purpose and more often than not lead to goals.

This is where Jamshedpur FC have to be cautious. The home side loves to dominate possession and carve out openings. But any loose pass or a failed attempt can result in a quick counter for Mumbai who are deadly when it comes to that.

An impact signing for Mumbai City FC this season has been the Senegalese forward, Amodou Sougou who is among the elite forwards in the league. Goals wins games and whenever the Senegalese has started, he has delivered goals for his side, making him a crucial member of this squad. His side missed him dearly when they lost to FC Goa who put an end to their unbeaten run. Sougou will be starting on the bench but his potential impact on the game cannot be understated.

Mumbai City FC haven’t beaten Jamshedpur FC in the league yet but this season the Islanders have the most number of wins (8) after the table toppers Bengaluru FC and more impressively have the least amount of draws (3) among the top four reflecting their ability to win in crucial games.

With the qualification for the play-offs in mind the Men of Steel simply cannot afford another defeat and in relation to this fixture, history is on their side.  Jamshedpur FC are yet to lose at home, but the Islanders will provide a stern test making this an intriguing encounter to watch. Expect a high scoring clash at the Furnace with the home side fighting hard to stay alive in the competition and the visitors looking to solidify their position in the table.