Indian Super League: Things look up for downcast Pune City

Reddy hasn’t had the success that he would have liked from this team since taking over from Miguel Angel Portugal after three games. Draws against Kerala Blasters and Delhi Dynamos earned it two points after seven matches and the onus will be on the players to get the better of Jamshedpur and save its season.

“On paper, it is a very good team, very similar to what we had last season but matches are not won on paper but won on grass. There are a lot ofteams in similar situations,” said Reddy.

The host will also be boosted by the return of Brazilian striker Marcelinho and ISL’s highest goalscorer, Iain Hume, into the fold. Marcelinho served a one-match ban for a red card and Emiliano Alfaro’s loan to ATK has allowed the now fully fit Hume to join the squad.“We missed quite a few players in the ATK game but we don’t have those issues anymore. So, looking forward to the match. For the first time this season we have all 25 players to pick from. So everyone is available now,” said Reddy.

While Pune is 14 points off the top of the table and can move off the bottom spot if it picks up a win, Cesar Ferrando’s Jamshedpur has no reason to be complacent with the team sitting fourth with 11 points after seven matches. The Men of Steel can move to second if they win on Wednesday.

“I think Pune are a good team and for me, they are a dangerous team because they want to get their first victory. They have a good squad. It is a big challenge for us,” said head coach Cesar Ferrando.