Jamshedpur FC is all set to host Kerala Blasters FC in an exciting Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 clash on Sunday, December 29, at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. The match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST.

Form and Standings

Both teams come into this match with similar recent records, having won two and lost three of their last five games. Jamshedpur FC currently sits eighth in the standings with 18 points from 11 games, thanks to six wins. Kerala Blasters FC, meanwhile, are 10th with 14 points from 13 matches, earned through four victories and two draws.

This will be the 17th ISL meeting between these two teams. Kerala Blasters FC have had the upper hand recently and are looking to extend their unbeaten run against Jamshedpur FC to seven matches (W4 D2).

Defensive Concerns

Both teams have struggled defensively this season. Kerala Blasters FC have conceded 24 goals, while Jamshedpur FC have let in 22. With only a few games left in the season, both sides will aim to close 2024 on a high note and narrow the gap to the top six. Jamshedpur FC, in particular, are tied on points with sixth-placed NorthEast United FC, highlighting the tight mid-table battle.

Key Insights

Jamshedpur FC: Strength in Attack but Leaks in Defense

• Home Form: Jamshedpur FC have scored in their last eight home matches, their longest scoring streak in ISL history. They’ve scored at least twice in six of those games.
• Top Scorers: Javi Siverio leads with four goals, followed by Jordan Murray and Javi Hernandez with three each.
• Defensive Gaps: Despite their attacking consistency, they’ve conceded in seven of their last eight home games, which Kerala Blasters FC will look to exploit.

Kerala Blasters FC: Strong Away Scoring

• Away Streak: Kerala Blasters have scored exactly two goals in their last five away matches but have conceded three or more in the last three.
• Second-Half Specialists: They’ve scored 18 second-half goals this season, the highest in the league, compared to just four in the first half. Jamshedpur FC will need to stay sharp throughout the game to counter this.

Coaches’ Take

Khalid Jamil, Jamshedpur FC:
“This game is like a do-or-die for us. We’re focused on our own performance and staying positive to secure a win.”

T. G. Purushothaman, Kerala Blasters FC:
“We are fully focused on winning. Jamshedpur is a strong team at home, but we are preparing to achieve victory.”

Head-to-Head

• Matches Played: 16
• Kerala Blasters FC Wins: 5
• Jamshedpur FC Wins: 3
• Draws: 8

Players to Watch

• Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters): With 3 goals and 1 assist in this fixture, he’s one contribution away from equaling Dimitrios Diamantakos’ record for most goal involvements against Jamshedpur FC.
• Albino Gomes (Jamshedpur FC): The league leader in saves (49) has been crucial in keeping Jamshedpur competitive.
• Jesus Jimenez (Kerala Blasters): On the verge of becoming the fastest Kerala player to score 10 goals in ISL history.
• Stephen Eze (Jamshedpur FC): Leads the league with 6.9 clearances per game, critical in managing Kerala’s potent attack.

Fantasy Picks

• Javi Hernandez (Jamshedpur FC): The attacking midfielder has 54 fantasy points this season and is priced at ₹9.4 crore.
• Noah Sadaoui (Kerala Blasters FC): With 70 fantasy points, he’s the top scorer in ISL fantasy for Kerala Blasters this season, priced at ₹11.3 crore.