I am writing this piece on Easter Sunday, when it was said that Jesus rose from the dead after his crucifixion, now that seems fitting since I have decided to return full time to the site after having last week completely off, bar the Delhi piece, because of unforeseen family issues. Don’t worry everything is ok and I won’t be leaving you again anytime soon. Anyway, enough of me and religion, let’s get straight to something that matters which is the Indian Super Cup, specifically Jamshedpur’s game against I-League outfit Minerva Punjab FC.
The Stats…
With both of these teams not needing to qualify for the quarter-finals, there aren’t any new stats for them. However, I am going to give you a refresher of their league stats because it’s been a fairly long time since the league finished.
I’ll start with the I-League outfit Minerva who managed to win the entire I-League last season, finishing 1st and three points above second place. Unsurprisingly, they obviously had a great goalscoring record in the league last season, scoring twenty-four goals in eighteen games. However, it was their defensive record that won them the title as they only conceded sixteen goals over eighteen games. Form-wise, they aren’t in the greatest form for a title winning side, having won two and lost three of their previous five games in the league. Will they be able to break down Steve Coppell’s side?
Jamshedpur, who are the ISL representatives in this match, finished the ISL season just outside the playoff spots in 5th and four points behind 4th place. Jamshedpur weren’t known for their attacking play and that really shows in their goalscoring record as they only managed sixteen goals over eighteen games. However, their defensive record was brilliant as they only conceded eighteen goals over the course of the season. Unfortunately, they only just beat their opponents on form having won two, drawn one and lost two in their last five games. Will they be able to defeat the ISL champions?
The Game Itself…
Now, unfortunately, in my week off I wasn’t able to brush up on my I-League knowledge so I’m not really qualified to say how Minerva play their football, however, it’s obvious they can as they just won the I-League title.
In terms of Jamshedpur, I genuinely don’t know what will happen. Steve Coppell has already expressed his dislike for the competition and has mentioned that he won’t force his players to play in the competition. However, I do know they will set out like the defensive unit they are a try to sneak a 1-0 boring win that seems to excite Jake a little too much each time it happens.
I am really hoping that an ISL team can win a game. ATK, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are the only ones to come out on top so far and we really need to represent the league well this time around. I just beg Coppell is bluffing with his comments and he is deadly serious about the competition.
Key Player…
Like I previously said my I-League knowledge is quite limited, however, because I always produce five-star quality content, I have decided to take some time out of my Easter Sunday and research a little bit about Minerva’s players. Their main hitman looks to be Chencho Gyeltshen who managed an impressive seven goals over the eighteen-game season. Another hitman they seem to have is Opoku who was just behind his teammate, finishing on five goals.
On Jamshedpur’s side, we have some very good players who played consistently well for Steve Coppell. He arguably made the best signing mid-way through the season when he brought in defensive midfielder Wellington. He performed fantastically for his side and he may be a key factor in this game. Unfortunately, without knowing the squads for the game I can’t really pick a Key Player, but if I was to go with one, it would be Wellington as he is key to Coppell’s tactics and they need him to be on top form if they want to progress in this competition.
Finally…
With all this being said, I will simply leave you with this. Wow, it’s good to be saying that again. Anyway, without knowing what Coppell is doing in this competition, whether he was bluffing with his comments or not, it’s hard to back his side for the win. With the comments playing a factor and the fact they are up against the I-League champions, it’s quite difficult to say they will win and that’s why I am going with a 2-1 win for Minerva. Sorry, Jake, I know that will hurt you and your obsession with Coppell.
