Odisha have started well this season and have won three out of four matches so far. They are placed second, three points behind table leaders Mumbai City FC.
The Kiko Ramirez-coached team defeated NorthEast United FC in their last outing, a game where they showed off their defensive fortitude apart from a collection of good attackers.
Hector Rodas, Victor Mongil, Xavi Hernandez, Aridai Suarez and Jonathan have highlighted Odisha’s excellent overseas recruitment this time as they have all pulled out in their respective departments so far.
The club had signed six new players from overseas ahead of the season, which has refreshed its entire overseas squad and the move has worked well for the team. Nine of the 11 league goals scored by the club have come from new overseas signings.
“Our players will have to commit to the task and focus for the entire duration of the match as it is going to be tough,” Odisha boss Kiko Ramirez said.
Jamshedpur lost 2-4 to Mumbai City in a thrilling game but showed patience from the top-order as they came down 3-0 within 24 minutes to take a 3-2 lead in the second half. The ‘Man of Steel’ are fourth on the table with eight points from five matches.
“The only way to recover from the last game is to get three points against Odisha, who have signed some good players and played some good football. We have made some personal mistakes. If we cut it, it gives us a platform to go and try to win the game,” said Jamshedpur head coach Owen Coyle.
Lithuanian striker Nerijus Valskis has scored four goals in four matches against Odisha and Koel is hopeful that he can start on Tuesday.
Greg Stewart has been an important contributor to the Jamshedpur team in terms of quality. In his four appearances in the league, Stewart scored one goal and made three assists with his linkup play as the second striker in Coyle’s 4-4-2 system.
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