NorthEast United vs Jamshedpur FC Prediction: Northeast had better ISL season

NorthEast United will go against Jamshedpur FC in Game 3 of the Kalinga Indian Super Cup at Kalinga Stadium. NorthEast United have had a significantly better ISL season under the new coach and they will be hoping to continue the momentum. Who will win? 

While NorthEast United has remained winless for seven games in the ISL, their progress this season is evident as they currently occupy the last playoff spot with 12 points from the first 12 matches. This is a significant improvement compared to the last campaign, where they finished at the bottom with just one win and a total of five points. The catalyst for this change has been their head coach, Juan Pedro Benali, who recently received a contract extension. The club's decision to end the cycle of manager appointments and place their trust in Benali reflects their belief in his ability to lead them forward. Since the Spaniard's appointment, NorthEast United has experienced immediate success, reaching the semi-finals of the Durand Cup in August of the previous year. Now, they aim to replicate that success in another cup competition, the Kalinga Super Cup. While competing in a challenging group with teams like Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United seeks to start the Super Cup 2024 with a victory against Jamshedpur FC, breaking their winless streak and rewarding their coach. 

It's worth noting that NorthEast United will be without their foreign center-back pairing, Yasser Hamed and Michel Zabaco, for the Super Cup 2024. Hamed has been called up to the Asian Cup squad for Palestine, while Zabaco may have sustained a serious injury, having been substituted after just 16 minutes in the last ISL game against FC Goa in 2023.

Mirshad Michu; Dinesh Singh, Asheer Akhtar, Gaurav Bora, Buanthanglun Samte; Phalguni Singh, Mohammed Bemammer, Romain Philippoteaux; Jithin M.S., Parthib Gogoi; Nestor Albiach

While NorthEast United secured the future of their head coach, Jamshedpur FC underwent a change in their coaching staff by parting ways with Scott Cooper following a significant 4-1 defeat to Odisha FC in their last ISL match before the Asian Cup break. Currently positioned at the 10th spot on the table, the Men of Steel have amassed just nine points from 12 matches, with only two victories against Hyderabad FC. In an attempt to turn their fortunes around, Khalid Jamil has been appointed to lead the team for the remainder of the season. Before the ISL resumes in February, Jamshedpur FC will have the opportunity to compete in the Super Cup, providing Khalid Jamil with a platform to instill his coaching philosophy. The commencement of his tenure coincides with a reunion against his former ISL side, NorthEast United, a team he guided to the league playoffs in 2021. Securing a victory in this encounter is crucial for Jamshedpur FC, boosting their confidence for the upcoming matches against the Tuskers and Shillong Lajong in the final group match. While winning the group may be challenging, a strong performance in Bhubaneshwar will set a positive tone for the rest of the ISL season under their new manager.

It's noteworthy that Jamshedpur FC will be without the services of the injured midfield duo Emil Benny and Pronay Halder, both of whom are not registered with the squad. Additionally, winger Ritwik Das is sidelined for the season after undergoing surgery, while there's speculation about forward Steve Ambri's potential departure, though he has been included in the squad.

TP Rehenesh; Provat Lakra, Pratik Chaudhari, Elsinho, Pachuau; Rei Tachikawa, Jitendra Singh, Jeremy Manzorro, Imran Khan; Daniel Chima, Steve Ambri  

Anticipate a closely contested match between NorthEast United and Jamshedpur FC, with a draw being the probable outcome of the encounter. Expect over 2.5 goals in the game, with both teams being on the scoresheet in this game.