Odisha FC are battling for the last playoff spot with FC Goa in the final game week of the league phase as they welcome resurgent Jamshedpur FC at the Kalinga Stadium.
The Juggernauts put NorthEast United to bed by winning 3-1 away in the last match while the Men of Steels stunned the holders Hyderabad FC in a 3-2 thrilling victory.
OFC vs JFC Match Details
Date: Wednesday, 22 February 2023
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar
OFC vs JFC Match Preview
Back-to-back wins in the ISL have now left Odisha FC to move a step closer to the playoffs. All the Juggernauts have to do in the last game of the league phase is avoid defeat and their place in the top-six will be secured. The 3-1 win over NorthEast United did not help in the goal difference as it stands at zero now with their nearest playoff rivals FC Goa having better marks (+3) in that regard. So, Josep Gombau’s men simply could not slip off the pedal now. Maybe facing the Highlanders in the final game could have done some favor rather than locking horns with a Jamshedpur FC side finding wind in their sails lately. They also have a disappointing record against the Men of Steels with only two wins secured in eleven meets if the period prior to the rebranding of the franchise is taken into account. However, the reverse fixture fell in the home side’s favor with Issac Vanmalsawma finding the winner in a 3-2 thriller which was also their opening game of this season. Odisha FC have to go with what they have in hand now to obtain a positive result on Wednesday.
There has been an upturn of fortune for Jamshedpur FC in their last three games of the season with the side now all of a sudden capable enough to beat the champions Hyderabad FC, a much-changed side but with in-form Bartholomew Ogbeche in the starting eleven. The Nigerian put his team ahead looking like business as usual but then Ritwik Das planted an excellent header to even things up. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas converted the spot and Daniel Chima got on the scoresheet with all the goals scored inside eight minutes to leave the holders stunned. Shot-stopper Vishal Yadav also saved a crucial penalty from Joao Victor in the second-half after Ricky handled the ball inside the box. Ogbeche’s second of the evening came too late to disrupt celebrations for the away side. A 3-2 success at Gahibowli Stadium against the Nizams was not the result everyone saw coming from the Men of Steels but the ninth-placed team is enjoying the late-season winning momentum even if it does not carry a prize at the end of it. Adrian Boothryod’s side aim will be to continue making surprises and this time derail Odisha’s run for the playoffs.
Recent Form
OFC: WWDDL
JFC: WDWLL
OFC vs JFC Team News
Odisha FC have tied their defender Carlos Delgado’s contract to 2024 on the back of an impressive season after signing for the club last year. He will partner with Thoiba Moirangthem at the back who started in place of the injured Osama Malik in the last match. The Australian is suffering from a hamstring problem. The rest of the squad is fit and available to coach Josep Gombau.
For Jamshedpur FC, Eli Sabia won’t be available after being shown a straight red card in the win against Hyderabad FC for fouling Javier Siverio through on goal. Dylan Fox could replace him in the starting eleven. 20-year-old Vishal Yadav started in place of TP Rehenesh in the last match and saved a crucial penalty. He should retain his place in between the sticks.
Predicted Lineups
OFC: Amrinder Singh; Narender Gahlot, Thoiba Moirangthem, Carlos Delgado, Sahil Panwar; Nandha Kumar Sekar, Saul Crespo, Raynier Fernandes, Isak Vanlalruatfela; Victor Rodriguez, Diego Mauricio
JFC: Vishal Yadav; Laldinliana Renthlei, Pratik Chaudhari, Dylan Fox, Ricky Lallawmawma; Boris Singh, Pronay Halder, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Ritwik Das; Harry Sawyer; Daniel Chima
OFC vs JFC Dream 11 Team Prediction
GK: Amrinder (8)
DEF: Gahlot (8), Delgado (8.5), Pratik (7.5)
MID: Sekar (9), Crespo (8.5), Ritwik (7), Boris (8.5)
FW: Emmanuel-Thomas (9), Chima (9), Mauricio (9)
Vice-captain: Nandha Kumar Sekar
Captain: Diego Mauricio
Stay tuned to Fantasy Football for upcoming matches.
