Jamshedpur: Jamshedpur FC are set to host Odisha FC at the JRD TATA Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Tuesday for both teams’ opening match of Hero ISL 2019-20. The fixture will also be the away team’s first-ever in the Hero ISL.
Both sides have a significant Spanish presence in their respective squads, including the two head coaches – Antonio Iriondo (Jamshedpur) and Josep Gombau (Odisha) and fans can expect some possession-based quick passing football.With just around 350kms separating Bhubaneswar (Odisha FC’s home base) and Jamshedpur, the tie will also be an initiation of a brand-new rivalry between the two East Indian teams.Heading into their third Indian Super League (ISL) season, Jamshedpur FC will look to secure a spot in the playoffs after narrowly missing out in the last two years.Jamshedpur have had two head coaches in the last two seasons and both of them employed their own style of play at the club. Now as Spaniard Antonio Iriondo takes over, supporters can expect an attacking philosophy.Jamshedpur also had departures to deal with as Spanish duo Mario Arques and Sergio Cidoncha joined Kerala Blasters FC. However, they have boosted their strike force with CK Vineeth, who is the third-highest Indian goalscorer in the ISL. They have also replaced the outgoing foreigners with Francisco ‘Piti’ Luna and Noe Acosta while managing to retain star players Memo and Tiri.
Josep Gombau’s franchise have rebranded themselves as Odisha FC from Delhi Dynamos and managed an eighth-placed finish but his team had a certain vigour and excitement packed into the football they played. Gombau will be looking to continue his project with the young squad at his disposal. (Agencies)
