KOLKATA: On a four-game winning streak across competitions, Odisha FC will be eager to continue their form when they resume their Indian Super League (ISL) campaign at Jamshedpur on Friday. Brimming with confidence after their 5-2 thrashing of Mohun Bagan Super Giant in an AFC Cup group tie at the Salt Lake stadium on Monday, the Kalinga Warriors will take on the Red Miners at JRD Tata Sports Complex looking for their fifth win on the trot.
While Sergio Lobera's boys will aim to break down the Jamshedpur FC defence in Steel City for their fourth victory in seven ISL games, the hosts will face a daunting task of keeping the attacking Juggernauts at bay.
JFC have won once in seven attempts so far this season and find themselves on the 10th spot in the 12-team roster. However, if scoring only four times has proved to be JFC's bane, their defence has put up quite a splendid show conceding seven in as many games - table toppers Kerala Blasters, No. 3 MBSG and No. 4 Mumbai City are the only teams to concede less.
Meanwhile, the hosts can draw some confidence from their good shows against Odisha, historically. JFC have won eight of the 12 encounters between them while Odisha have prevailed only twice. Moreover, JFC have scored 19 times against OFC, which is the joint-most times they have struck against any ISL team, alongside Mumbai City. So, Scott Cooper can be hopeful of turning things around when they lock horns with Odisha on Friday.
Apart from winning the AFC Cup game against the Mariners, Odisha had total control of the proceedings against one of the best sides around. So, the Kalinga Warriors will be aiming to replicate that performance in ISL.
Speaking ahead of their clash with the Juggernauts, JFC coach Scott Cooper said in a pre-match press conference on Thursday, "You can't always expect your team to keep clean sheets. We defended well in the last game but a little bit of fatigue got in towards the end. What did Goa really create other than direct, long balls? They got behind, there was a little skirmish and these things can happen towards the end of a game."
Lobera, reflecting on their last win against the Kolkata giants, said, "Indian football is growing every day. We are in a good position. We are working here with a lot of excitement to improve the level of Indian football. We have very good players. It's very important to compete well not only in our club competitions but also internationally. It's special for us to play in the AFC Cup, because we are not only representing Odisha, but we are also representing India."
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