Top Five Things to look forward to – Jamshedpur FC vs NorthEast United FC

For our next game in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18, we head back to The Furnace to host NorthEast United FC for the very first time. The mood in the Jamshedpur FC camp is bursting with positivity after a run of four wins in five games, but it is important to remember our upcoming opponents have quite the pedigree in this competition. The Highlanders have dazzled audiences with some spectacular football over their four years in the league, which is why they cannot be discounted despite their turbulent recent form.

Regardless of what outcome is expected from this match, there are a few other things we’re looking forward to from this fascinating contest. Without further ado, here are Top 5 things we’re looking forward to from this match.

  1. Jamshedpur FC’s Top Four Charge – There’s a new mood in the Jamshedpur FC camp after their fantastic run of four victories in five games. This is a team that looks like it could beat any of the others in the league on its day, and while Coach Steve Coppell does his best to temper expectations it’s hard not to be swept up by the optimism. The task at hand is still very much a challenge and Jamshedpur FC will have to win all their remaining four games to maintain their play-off chance, but the positivity in the camp certainly won’t hamper their mood.

  1. The Great Wall of Subrata – Subrata Paul’s exemplary performance in the match against Mumbai City FC will have no doubt formed a cause for concern for NorthEast United FC. The goalkeeper has been in great form this season, but he took it to new levels against Mumbai City FC with an almost faultless performance. The fans will be hoping for this class of goalkeeping to repeat itself at home.

  1. The clash of styles – NorthEast United FC are a unique team in the ISL, in terms of directing their tactics to dominating their opponents. Jamshedpur FC on the other hand, bring unpredictability and pace on the counter that tends to catch opponents off-guard. While no play-style is inherently superior to the other, it will be interesting to see how these different styles clash on the 10thof February.

  1. Jamshedpur FC’s lethal edge – With 9 goals in in 5 games, Jamshedpur FC have improved on their shaky offensive form from earlier in the season. Goals have come in from all areas of the pitch, but the wingers have a pivotal role to play in this system as both providers and finishers. The home fans will be hoping for more of the same for a long time.

  1. A long overdue return home – The Furnace got its name from the incendiary fans that rock the stands, but they’ve been missing in action for over 20 days as Jamshedpur FC went through a long spell of away fixtures. As they return home to take on The Highlanders, the fans in Jamshedpur will be hoping for something special to make up for the long absence.