Jamshedpur FC will look to continue with their winning momentum as they take on Punjab FC at JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Friday.
After three back-to-back losses against NorthEast United FC (away), Chennaiyin FC (home) and Mohun Bagan SG (away), Khalid Jamil's men were able turn things around as they beat Mohammedan SC 3-1 in front of their home fans in their last game early this month. Against a relatively weak opponent, the Red Miners were finally able to play to their full potential and grab all the three points on offer.
However, the match against Punjab will be a whole different ball game as the former I-League club is currently placed fourth on the table with 18 points from nine matches. They have won six and lost two and are coming into the game on the back of consecutive wins against Mohammedan SC and defending champions Mumbai City FC. Most importantly they have conceded just nine goals.
Jamil is expectedly well aware of the challenge and he didn't hesitate in saying it would be a difficult encounter.
"Punjab is playing well, and their Indian players have been performing effectively. We have to focus on defending, particularly in the inside and outside box, and convert our set-piece opportunities, as we did in the last match. This match is do or die. We will take it step by step and ensure we cover all the mistakes we've made so far," said the Jamshedpur FC coach on Thursday.
It's high time they did that because their defensive lapses have cost them dear. So far they have let in 20 goals — the joint-second highest in the tournament — and are placed eighth on the table. With 15 points from 9 matches, they can however go up to the top half of the table with a win for which they will have to give their best on the field.
Naturally, with such high expectations, there is lot of pressure but as Muhammed Uvais said they are ready to step up. "Of course, there's pressure, but we channel it into doing well. As players, we can't afford to be scared. We need to step up," said the defender during the press conference on Thursday.
As for Punjab FC, they will look to go back to the third spot on the table and keep pressure on league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC. Speaking ahead of the match Punjab head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis said, "Our philosophy is simple, we focus on playing our way of the game from the first second, using every moment to our advantage."
Whether Jamil's men can stop them from doing that is what remains to be seen as it will decide who walks away with the three points at the end of the game.