Jamshedpur FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant are set to square off in the second leg of their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 semi-final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Thursday.
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Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Jamshedpur FC: Preview
The League Shield winners will look to bounce back with confidence, especially considering their formidable home form. MBSG have kept six consecutive clean sheets at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and will aim to extend that streak as they seek to overturn the deficit and book a spot in the ISL final for a third consecutive season.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) have now suffered three defeats in their last four ISL playoff fixtures, including back-to-back losses in their two most recent outings. This is in stark contrast to their earlier knockout performances, where they were beaten just twice in their first nine playoff games (W3, D4). The Mariners will be eager to rediscover that early form, starting with this crucial clash.
A key weapon in their arsenal has been their dominance in set-piece situations. With 21 goals from dead-ball scenarios this season — the most by any team in a single ISL campaign — Mohun Bagan’s proficiency in these moments could prove decisive against Jamshedpur FC’s defensive unit.
“The focus is to perform and win”
Head coach Jose Molina kept things simple ahead of the semi-final second leg, emphasizing that the objective is clear — to make it to the final.
“All I’m thinking about right now is matchday,” Molina stated. “We have to perform well and win — that’s our current goal.”
Star striker Jamie Maclaren has been a clutch performer this season, netting six match-winning goals. Only Roy Krishna (eight in 2020-21) and Stiven Mendoza (seven in 2015) have delivered more decisive strikes in a single ISL campaign. The Australian forward has tallied 13 goal contributions in total, including two assists in a memorable debut season.
Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith has also been a standout figure for MBSG. With 34 saves from shots taken outside the box — the third-highest in ISL history — Kaith’s reflexes will be vital in limiting Jamshedpur’s long-range threats. His 200 successful distributions and league-leading 14 clean sheets underline his all-around influence between the posts.
Khalid Jamil’s Jamshedpur FC side claimed a 2-1 win in the first leg of this semi-final, ending Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s six-match unbeaten run against the Men of Steel in the process.
While Jamshedpur FC have found their scoring rhythm—netting multiple goals in each of their last four matches, marking their second-longest such streak—the challenge will be tougher against an MBSG side they’ve never scored more than once against in successive games. The Mariners’ defense will be determined to maintain that record and shut out the visiting attack.
Despite their recent attacking flair, Jamshedpur’s vulnerability in the first half has been concerning. They’ve conceded a league-high 23 goals before the break this season. With a narrow aggregate lead to protect, Jamil will demand early defensive discipline to avoid letting the hosts back into the contest.
“Preparations remain the same“
Head coach Khalid Jamil acknowledged the challenge of facing MBSG on their home turf but expressed faith in his side’s consistency.
“Our preparations for this match haven’t changed,” Jamil said. “There’s no question about the quality of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, especially with how strong they are at home.”
One key player for Jamshedpur will be Javi Siverio, who boasts a remarkable record in the ISL. His teams have never lost a match when he’s scored (W14, D5). The Spaniard has contributed seven goals, delivered 24 key passes, and recorded 110 touches in the opponent’s box this season—making him a constant threat in the final third.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Jamshedpur FC: Head-to-head
The two teams have faced off 11 times, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant winning on five occasions and Jamshedpur FC securing four victories. The remaining two matches ended in draws.
- Total matches played – 12
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant wins – 5
- Jamshedpur FC wins – 5
- Draws – 2
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Jamshedpur FC: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Mohun Bagan Super Giant – Team News
Manvir Singh and Lalengmawia Ralte are expected to be available for selection for Mohun Bagan Super Giant ahead of the second leg.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – Vishal Kaith
- Defenders – Asish Rai, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose
- Midfielders – Lalengmawia Ralte, Deepak Tangri, Jason Cummings
- Forwards – Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Jamie Maclaren
Jamshedpur FC – Team News
Jamshedpur FC will continue to miss defender Pratik Chaudhari due to injury, while Javier Siverio is also nursing a fitness concern. Additionally, Ashutosh Mehta and Stephen Eze are unavailable as they serve suspensions.
Jamshedpur FC – Predicted Lineup (4-3-1-2)
- Goalkeeper – Albino Gomes
- Defenders – Nikhil Barla, Pronay Halder, Lazar Cirkovic, Muhammed Uvais
- Midfielders – Rei Tachikawa, Sourav Das, Javi Hernandez
- Forwards – Mohammed Sanan, Ritwik Das, Jordan Murray
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Jamshedpur FC: Prediction
With MBSG trailing 2-0 from the first leg, they’ll need a strong performance at home to turn the tie around. Their six-match clean sheet streak at home and dominant set-piece record give them a real shot at a comeback, especially with key players like Manvir Singh and Lalengmawia Ralte likely returning.
However, Jamshedpur FC’s confidence will be high after snapping MBSG’s unbeaten run and scoring multiple goals in four straight matches. That said, their defensive concerns—missing Ashutosh Mehta, Stephen Eze (suspended), and possibly Javier Siverio (injured)—could make them vulnerable, particularly under pressure in a high-stakes away fixture.
Prediction: Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2-0 Jamshedpur FC
(Aggregate 2-2) Mohun Bagan go through on penalties
FAQs
What was the result of the first leg between Jamshedpur FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant?
Jamshedpur FC won the first leg 2-0 at home, ending MBSG’s six-game unbeaten run against them.
Where is the second leg of the ISL 2024-25 semi-final being played?
The second leg will be held at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Which players are returning for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the second leg?
Pratik Chaudhari is injured, Javier Siverio is doubtful, and both Ashutosh Mehta and Stephen Eze are suspended.
What is the predicted scoreline for the MBSG vs Jamshedpur FC second leg?
Mohun Bagan Super Giant are predicted to win 2-0, taking the game to penalties and advancing to the final.
