Odisha FC and Jamshedpur FC will be looking to put their indifferent run of form in the Hero Indian Super League to an end when they meet at the Kalinga Stadium here on Friday.
It should make for a spectacle in Bhubaneswar as Odisha FC finally make their debut in their home city. Josep Gombau's side have had to play their previous home games of the season from Pune due to the unavailability of the Kalinga Stadium.
The Spanish coach will hope that a change of setting will turn their fortunes around and give them an impetus in their push for the play-off spots. Odisha, placed seventh on the table (9 points), have won just one out of their last six games and are coming off a demoralising 3-0 defeat against FC Goa.
"Yes, there is a chance (of reaching the playoffs). We have nine points and we have played nine games away. We are very excited to finally play at home," said a confident Gombau.
"We now have three crucial games at home. Depending on how these three games go, we will know if we have a chance to get into the top-four or not. Jamshedpur is fourth in the table with 13 points. But if we beat them tomorrow, we will be just one point behind them."
"The essence of our football is to have the ball for more time and keep it. We will try to score more goals than the last few games but we don't care too much in defence."
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content