Mohun Bagan AC takes on Jamshedpur FC in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in the Indian Super League (ISL). Both teams have shown promise this season, with Mohun Bagan sitting 2nd in the standings and Jamshedpur close behind in 7th. With the home advantage favoring Mohun Bagan and recent head-to-head results evenly balanced, fans can expect an intense battle.

Head-to-Head

• Total Matches Played (Last 7 Years): 9
• Mohun Bagan Wins: 4
• Jamshedpur Wins: 4
• Draws: 1
• Recent Encounter:
  • 1st March 2024: Mohun Bagan 3–0 Jamshedpur

Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

• Mohun Bagan: LWWWD
• Jamshedpur: LWWLL

Mohun Bagan is in better form, especially at home, where they remain unbeaten in their last seven matches. Jamshedpur, despite showing flashes of brilliance, has struggled with consistency.

ISL Standings (Before Matchday 8)

Lineups

Mohun Bagan AC (4-1-4-1)

• Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith
• Defense: Asish Rai, Alberto Rodriguez, Tom Aldred, Subhasish Bose
• Midfield: Apuia, Anirudh Thapa
• Attack: Manvir Singh, Dimitri Petratos, Liston Colaco
• Striker: Jamie MacLaren

Jamshedpur FC (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Albino Gomes
• Defense: Ashutosh Mehta, Wungngayam Muirang, Pratik Chaudhari, Muhammed Uvais Moyikka
• Midfield: Rei Tachikawa, Imran Khan, Javier Hernandez
• Attack: Jordan Murray, Javier Siverio Toro, Sanan Mohammed

Key Players to Watch

• Mohun Bagan AC:
  • Dimitri Petratos: Creative hub and consistent goal threat.
  • Subhasish Bose: Solid in defense and a leader at the back.
• Jamshedpur FC:
  • Jordan Murray: Reliable striker capable of poaching crucial goals.
  • Javier Hernandez: Experienced playmaker with an eye for key passes.

10 Key Stats

1. Mohun Bagan has scored 38% of their goals between the 31st and 45th minutes.
2. Jamshedpur scores 27% of their goals in the same timeframe.
3. Mohun Bagan has not lost at home in 7 matches.
4. Jamshedpur has conceded 16 goals, the most among the top 7 teams.
5. Average goals in their meetings: 2.4 per match.
6. Last 5 head-to-head results: Mohun Bagan (3 wins), Jamshedpur (1 win), Draw (1).
7. Mohun Bagan’s home record this season: 2 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses.
8. Jamshedpur has scored in all but one away game this season.
9. Both teams’ goal difference in head-to-head matches: 10-10.
10. Mohun Bagan wins 46% of first halves, while Jamshedpur wins 36%.

SWOT Analysis: Mohun Bagan vs Jamshedpur

SWOT Analysis: Mohun Bagan AC

Strengths

1. Home Dominance: Mohun Bagan has remained unbeaten in their last seven home matches, showcasing defensive and offensive prowess at their fortress.
2. Clinical Scoring Period: The team scores 38% of its goals between the 31st and 45th minutes, the highest percentage in the league, indicating a knack for gaining momentum before halftime.
3. In-Form Attackers: Players like Dimitri Petratos and Jamie MacLaren consistently contribute with goals and assists.
4. Solid Defensive Unit: With Subhasish Bose and Tom Aldred leading the backline, they have maintained a strong defensive structure, conceding fewer goals than most teams in the league.
5. Depth in Midfield: The presence of players like Apuia and Anirudh Thapa offers both creativity and stability in the middle of the park.

Weaknesses

1. Inconsistent Away Record: While their home form is stellar, Mohun Bagan has shown vulnerabilities in away games, which could reflect a tendency to drop focus in certain scenarios.
2. Yellow Cards: Apuia’s accumulation of yellow cards (3) could lead to a suspension and force a reshuffle in midfield.
3. Dependence on Key Players: Heavy reliance on Dimitri Petratos and Jamie MacLaren for scoring goals. If they’re contained, the team could struggle.

Opportunities

1. Leverage Home Support: With a passionate crowd backing them, Mohun Bagan can use the home advantage to maintain their winning streak against Jamshedpur.
2. Exploit Defensive Weaknesses: Jamshedpur has conceded the most goals among the top seven teams, presenting an opportunity for Mohun Bagan’s attackers.
3. Reinforce ISL Title Push: With second place in the standings, a win would strengthen their position and build momentum for the rest of the season.

Threats

1. Jamshedpur’s Counterattack: Players like Jordan Murray and Javier Hernandez possess the ability to exploit any defensive lapses.
2. High-Pressure Game: Jamshedpur’s need for a result could lead to an aggressive approach that may disrupt Mohun Bagan’s game plan.
3. Complacency: Their strong form might lead to overconfidence, potentially causing lapses in focus during the game.

SWOT Analysis: Jamshedpur FC

Strengths

1. Resilient Attack: Despite inconsistency, Jamshedpur has scored in most of their matches, with players like Jordan Murray and Javier Siverio capable of producing moments of brilliance.
2. First-Half Performance: Jamshedpur wins 36% of their first halves, showing the ability to start games with intent.
3. Counterattacking Threat: With pacey forwards and creative midfielders like Javier Hernandez, they can exploit gaps in Mohun Bagan’s defense.
4. Balanced Head-to-Head Record: In the last nine meetings, Jamshedpur has won four times, showing they can compete against Mohun Bagan.

Weaknesses

1. Leaky Defense: Conceded 16 goals this season, the most among the top seven teams, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
2. Inconsistent Form: Recent results (LWWLL) show their struggle to maintain momentum, particularly against strong opponents.
3. Away Fragility: While they’ve scored in most away games, their defense tends to collapse under pressure in unfamiliar environments.

Opportunities

1. Exploit Set Pieces: With aerial threats like Jordan Murray, Jamshedpur can capitalize on Mohun Bagan’s occasional lapses in defending set plays.
2. Surprise Upset: A win in Kolkata against a top side would be a morale boost and could reignite their campaign.
3. Target Midfield Battles: Disrupting Mohun Bagan’s midfield, particularly Apuia and Thapa, could destabilize their overall play.

Threats

1. Mohun Bagan’s Home Form: Facing a team unbeaten at home for seven matches is a daunting task, adding pressure to Jamshedpur.
2. Conceding Early Goals: Jamshedpur’s defensive lapses early on could lead to a loss of control and confidence in the game.
3. Physical Play: With players like Apuia already on multiple yellow cards, Mohun Bagan may employ aggressive tactics to neutralize Jamshedpur’s midfield.

Prediction

Mohun Bagan’s home advantage, superior form, and defensive stability give them the edge in this fixture. However, Jamshedpur’s offensive threat cannot be underestimated. A closely contested game is expected, but Mohun Bagan should prevail.

Predicted Score: Mohun Bagan 2–1 Jamshedpur