The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024/25 season has already reached its Matchday 2. There have been some exciting clashes on Matchday 1. The first game of the Matchday 2 has also been played. On Saturday there is a doubleheader the first match will be against Jamshedpur FC (JFC) and Mumbai City FC (MCFC) at JRD Tata Sports Complex, 5:00 PM IST. The two teams have had a different start to the season.
Jamshedpur made a comeback win against FC Goa in their first game. The win was away from home. Under Khalid Jamil, the side has started well in the season. They have been looking for a strong defensive side with Stephen Eze returning to his former side. The Red Miners will look to win their first game at home and keep their winning momentum going. However, against a side like Mumbai, it will be difficult.
There have been a lot of changes for Mumbai City since last year Cup winning team. But they made a sensational comeback in the season opener against Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG). They were 2-0 down in the first half of the game making it 2-2 in the 90th minute of the game. The Sky Blues will look for their first win of the season. There will be some exciting battles to watch in the game with some of the top-quality players.
Here are the top 3 player battles to watch out for
3. Javi Hernandez vs Yoell van Nieff
Javier Hernandez has been one of the finest midfielders in the ISL. The Spanish maestro was good in the last match against Goa. Javi will look to create the game for the Men of Steels on the weekend. The freekicks and corners will be an important aspect for him to deliver the dangerous crosses.
However, Yoell van Nieff will be tasked with blocking the 35-year-old attacking midfielder to create any kind of chances or threats against his side. The Dutch was excellent in the first game of the season where he controlled the midfield destroyed the attacks of MBSG and created ball down for the wingers of the side. This battle will be an interesting one to watch for.
2. Lallianzuala Chhangte vs Muhammad Uvais
Lallianzuala Chhangte has been the best Indian player since the retirement of Sunil Chhetri. The winger is known for his pace and attacking runs down the wings. Chhangte will be always a threat in the next game against Jamshedpur, giving his new leadership role he would like to score some goals. The 27-year-old will be looking to create problems in the Red Miners’s defense.
Muhammad Uvais had an excellent last game against FC Goa. He handled the likes of Boris Singh and Udanta Singh down his side and also helped in the attack. However, Uvais will be a lot more cautious against the likes of Chhangte. He would like to stop the attacks down his wings that will be created by Chhangte.
1. Tiri vs Stephen Eze
This will be the first time that the player battles will be between the two center backs of the team. Tiri has been one of the finest foreign defenders in the ISL history. The Spanish center-back scored one goal in the last match and was rock solid at the back despite scoring the own goal. Tiri will be on task during the set pieces for the side to score goals and even during the against-team set pieces.
It will be because the against team has the likes of Stephen Eze. The Nigerian center-back has been one of the best in the air. In his previous season with the club in 2020-21, won an impressive 93 aerial duels, showcasing his dominance in the air. He also scored goals during the set-pieces given his height. This battle will be an important battle during the set pieces.
