On Wednesday night Pune City will play host to Jamshedpur which sees 3rd place face 5th place. This promises to be a very interesting game with the prospect of Jamshedpur being on the same points as their opponents at the close of play. Pune, however, will be looking at the game and licking their lips as they will go top of the league with a win. Both teams will see this as a must-win game and with Pune being one of the top scorers in the league, it could be a goal fest.
The Stats
Now, if any of you reading this love a bet from time to time, yes, I am looking at you Jake, I am sure you look at the stats before making the big decision. Even if you don’t and you hope lady luck is on your side then still read these stats as they may sway your decision and some may surprise you.
Pune have scored the first goal in six games of their previous seven, keeping a clean sheet in three of the previous five games. They have won three of their previous five so they are coming into the game with some form and have scored eleven goals in their previous five, this is more than Jamshedpur’s season total.
In terms of Jamshedpur, their stats aren’t that positive. In the past five games, they haven’t kept a clean sheet, this really doesn’t help with Pune coming to town with their goalscoring record. They have also conceded first in four of the previous five games, this also doesn’t couple well for Jamshedpur with Pune’s love of scoring first. Steve Coppell’s side has won twice in the previous five, however, these two wins have been in the past two games so they are also coming into the game with a bit of form and momentum.
Previous Encounter
Pune and Jamshedpur have faced once before in December 2017 with Pune coming out on top 1-0 even with them losing Lalchhuanmawia to a red card. Pune dominated possession with 55%, however, Jamshedpur dominated in chances having thirteen shots in total and their keeper didn’t have to make a save. Pune scored with their only shot on target proving, like they have for the majority of the season, that they are a clinical side, something Coppell’s side could learn a thing or two about.
The Game Itself
Looking at the game, we should have a fantastic encounter on our hands, with both teams trying to secure their place in the play-off places. I can’t see the encounter being any different than the previous meeting and I fully expect Pune to dominate possession and try to finish the game with one or two big chances. I can also see Jamshedpur being happy to soak up the pressure and hurt Pune on the break.
It will be interesting to see if Pune give debuts to both Marko Stankovic and Manuel Jesus, who were added to the squad on Tuesday. Stankovic is a player I am really looking forward to seeing in the league as he could run the show in every game he plays in. Jesus is an interesting one as I haven’t really seen him play a lot. Both signings could be the difference in the game and Jamshedpur should really look out for the pair during the game.
Key Player
There are a few that was in serious consideration for this title when I was writing the piece. Jerry could have easily been picked as he continues his great season, Marcelinho would have been an easy pick as he just makes Pune tick but I’m going to go for a risk and pick Stankovic (if he plays). It has yet to be confirmed that Marco is fit and in the squad for tomorrow, however, if he is then he will completely run the show and possibly get a couple of assists or maybe even a goal.
Of course, if he isn’t fit for the game then I choose Jerry to be his replacement. I am allowed to do this, right?
Finally…
Now, I will save you the cheesy ending Jake usually inserts here about being a betting man or whatever and simply say I expect Pune to beat Jamshedpur and I’ll predict a 2-0 scoreline even though that’s not what I had for the prediction league…
