Indian Super League (ISL) 2024/25 will be starting from Friday 13 September. There are new rules and a new team that have been added to the 11th edition of the competition. Mohammedan Sporting Club will be the 13th team that will feature in the top-tier league of Indian football. They have entered the top tier after becoming the I-league Champions of the 2023/24 edition.
There will be 156 matches played in total increasing the match numbers from 132 from last season. This season will be much more exciting and intense with all the teams geared up with the best footballers on their side. In the opening fixture on Friday, the two champions Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG) and Mumbai City FC (MCFC) the shield winners and the cup winners of last season respectively will face each other.
MBSG have made their side even stronger than last season. Despite their star defender Anwar Ali leaving the club and joining arch-rivals East Bengal FC. The side looks deadly in the front. Some of the experienced footballers from the A-League have joined the club. On the other hand, Mumbai have let go some of their star footballers this season. However, they have maintained their core team. Ahead of rolling the ball on Friday, we take a look at some of the ISL player battles to watch out for in the MBSG vs MCFC match.
Here are the top 3 ISL player battles to watch out for
3. Greg Stewart vs Yoell van Nieff
Greg Stewart will be up against his former team. He was part of the Mumbai squad for the last edition. However, he left the side and went to the Scottish league. The Scottish creative midfielder has a bag of experience under his belt. This time he will be entering the field wearing the Green and Maroon shirt. With his defensive splitting passing ability Mumbai needs to stop him.
And who better than doing the job for the side last season Yoell van Nieff will be having a tussle in the middle of the park. The Dutch will look to destroy the attacks created by Stewart and will also look that he does not go past him.
2. Akash Mishra vs Manvir Singh
Akash Mishra has been one of the finest left-backs in India currently. The Mumbai City FC footballer is known for his overlapping runs inside the opponent’s box and deliver dangerous crosses. On Friday he will look to do something similar. However, needs to work on the defense as well. With MBSG have some amazing wingers in the team.
Manvir Singh is a winger but plays as a wing-back with the Green and the Maroon team plays with 3 backs in defense. The Punjab-born footballer will be busy doing his defensive duties with Akash on his side. It will be an interesting battle to watch on who gets the better of them and helps his team in the attack and defense.
1. Tiri vs Dimitri Petratos
Tiri has been one of the most experienced foreign defenders in India. He has won three ISL titles in his career so far. The Spaniard has been the backbone of all the teams that he has been a part of in the ISL. He was excellent last season helping his side to win the Cup by beating his former team MBSG. He will have lots of defending against a well-oiled attacking front of Mohun Bagan.
Dimitri Petratos has been the star of Mohun Bagan since he joined the club. The Australian forward has been the fan’s best in recent times. He will be looking for the best start of the season. However, going past Tiri will be a difficult job for the striker. However he would like to add his name on the scoresheet in the first game of the season.
