Indian Super League (ISL) 2024/25 has got rolling five games have been played so far in the season. All the games have been exciting to watch. No sides have left an inch of space for their opponents. All the games have been neck-to-neck so far. One red card already has been shown in the tournament. The fans have appeared in numbers to cheer for their respective teams.
On Tuesday the final game of Matchday 1 will be over with FC Goa (FCG) taking on Jamshedpur (JFC) at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa. The two giants of the ISL will be featuring in the new season for the first time. Goa under Manolo Marquez played well last season. They finished 3rd in the table losing out in the very end moment the top two spot. They were knocked out by Mumbai City FC in the semi-final.
Jamshedpur finished 11th in the league table. Under Khalid Jamil, the team took off the pace towards the end of the season but failed to qualify for the knockout stages. They have a newly built squad with some of the footballers from last season are there. The ISL Shield winners will look to yet again find their lost glory in the upcoming match. There will be some intense battle to watch in the game on Tuesday night.
Here are the top 3 player battles to watch out for
3. Javi Hernandez vs Carl McHugh
Javier Hernandez has been one of the finest attacking midfielders to play in the ISL. The Spanish midfielder won the ISL trophy in his first season with ATK. He was the crucial part in the middle of the park for the side for three seasons. He joined Jamshedpur in the summer window. The 35-year-old will look to make an immediate impact in the first game for the side.
However, up against him will his former ATK teammate Carl McHugh who has been the most dependable man in the midfield for the sides he has played for. The Irish defensive midfielder is known for his immense workload ability in the middle of the park from snatching to delivering the right pass in the attack. He will look to stop his former teammate from creating trouble against his team.
2. Odei Onaindia vs Jordan Murray
The FC Goa center back played an important role, recording eight clean sheets, 30 interceptions, 16 blocks, and 94 clearances. He also won eight tackles and 67 duels. Odei was the backbone of the defense line last season he will be looking for a similar kind of performance in the season. He will be up against the likes of Jordan Murray on Tuesday.
Murray has returned to his old club where he played in the 2021-22 season. The Australian will be looking to score goals from the very first game of the competition. But his battle will be against one f the top center backs in the league currently. It will be an exciting match-up to watch out.
1. Armando Sadiku vs Stephen Eze
The Albanian forward has refined himself since joining FC Goa. The No.9 has been scoring goals in every game for the side as of now. He even helped the side to win the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy after beating Odisha FC. Sadiku failed in Mohun Bagan however, he has been lot more lethal under Marquez. He will definitely like to score in the first game for his new team.
Sadiku will be up against Stephen Eze, who is very good in the air. The Nigerian is back to his former club as he brings a wealth of experience and physicality to the Men of Steel’s defense. In his previous season with the club in 2020-21, won an impressive 93 aerial duels, showcasing his dominance in the air. Eze will be in job to stop Sadiku from scoring or creating any kind of chances.
