Jamshedpur FC will go head to head against NorthEast United FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Thursday. In a bid to climb into the top-four, Jamshedpur FC will aim to bag the three points on offer while NorthEast United FC’s anguish to retrace their previous season’s escapade gets desperate.The Men of Steel sit in the sixth position in the league table with 13 points – a point away from the semi-finals ranks, whereas, the Highlanders are placed 10th on the standings with eight points. FORM GUIDE JAMSHEDPUR FC In their previous five encounters, Jamshedpur FC have encountered inconsistency in their form with one win, two losses and two draws as they remain winless in their last three matches. NORTHEAST UNITED FC Although the form in the last five matches for the Highlanders has been far from impressive with three losses, a win and a draw, their previous clash against Mumbai City FC that ended in a 3-3 draw brought some positives for them to carry forward in the remainder of the tournament as Deshorn Brown struck a hat-trick. TEAM NEWS Komal Thotal of Jamshedpur FC will miss out on the match while Pranoy Halder returns to the squad. For NorthEast United FC, Gani Nigam is injured, the rest of everyone is fit for the match. HEAD-TO-HEAD The two clubs have clashed on eight occasions and it has been a closely fought encounter each time with five matches ending in a draw while Jamshedpur FC won two and NorthEast United FC won one. KEY STATS MISSING FIGHTBACK: NorthEast United FC have not picked up any points after conceding first in a match this season. They have conceded the first goal on four occasions and gone to lose all four times. CONTRASTING GROUND RECORD: Jamshedpur FC have lost only 1 of their 9 matches at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim. NorthEast United, on the other hand, have won only 1 of their 7 matches at the venue. KEY PLAYERS JAMSHEDPUR FC Greg Stewart: Stewart has been involved in each of Jamshedpur’s last 5 goals with 4 goals and 1 assist and has won four Hero of the Match awards this season – the most by any player in the 2021-22 Hero ISL season. Alexandre Lima: The midfielder has scored a goal and assisted another in nine matches while maintaining a solid passing percentage of 79.53%. NORTHEAST UNITED FC Deshorn Brown: Brown returned to NorthEast United FC’s rescue against Mumbai City FC with a hat-trick to put his fitness and injury concerns to rest. Provat Lakra: In his eight appearances, Lakra has made 33 tackles, 18 clearances and 15 interceptions, forming an important link in the defence chain for the Highlanders. MATCH DETAILS: Match Timings Match: Jamshedpur FC vs NorthEast United FC Date: 6th January 2022 Venue: Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, Goa. Kick-off time: 7.30 pm HEAD TO HEAD: JAMSHEDPUR FC VS NORTHEAST UNITED FC  Matches Played: 8 Northeast United FC Won: 1 Jamshedpur FC Won: 2 Draw: 5 Northeast United FC and Jamshedpur FC share the most gripping head-to-head record in the Super League. The rivalry is currently led by Jamshedpur FC as they have won two of the eight games played. TOP PICKS JAMSHEDPUR FC Greg Stewart The lead attacker for Jamshedpur FC in the current season, Stewart is an impactful and versatile forward. He has novel attacking skills and an aggressive approach towards his game that makes him our favorite. Komal Thatal  A talented midfielder from the Jamshedpur FC, Thatal has developed his game and polished his skills. He was seen in touch at the last game as he had accurate passes and cleared the ball on a couple of occasions. NORTHEAST UNITED FC  Deshorn Brown Deshorn Brown is the most conventional and exceptional attacker in the current Northeast United side. Brown led the attack in the last match against Chennaiyin FC and helped his side to secure a win. Imran Khan Imran Khan portrayed marvelous clearing and attacking abilities in the last game against Mumbai City FC. Khan also supported Brown and Sudip in the attack as he possessed splendid dual abilities. PREDICTED XI JAMSHEDPUR FC TP Rehenesh, Laldinliana Renthlei, Peter Hartley, Narender Gahlot, Ricky Lallawmawma, Seiminlen Doungel, Jitendra Singh, Alexandre Lima, Komal Thatal, Greg Stewart, Nerijus Valskis NORTHEAST UNITED FC Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, Mashoor Shereef, Mohamed Irshad, Patrick Flottmann, Provat Lakra, Federico Gallego, Hernan Santana, Imran Khan, Khassa Camara, Deshorn Brown, Suhair Vadakkepeedika PREDICTION In an epic clash between the two tough opponents, it is truly unfair to predict a winner. Jamshedpur FC is certainly the favorite team to win the match against Northeast United FC. WIN PROBABILITY: Jamshedpur FC – 60% Northeast United FC – 40% Our Prediction: Jamshedpur FC 2-1 Northeast United FC