The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024/25 will be a banger. This time 13 teams will be taking part in the top division competition of Indian football. There will be 156 matches this season as the new team Mohammedan Sporting Club has gained a promotion after winning the I-League 2023/24. Nandini Diary Firm will be the official sponsor for the competition. The first match will be held on Friday between last year’s ISL Shield Winners Mohun Bagan Super Giants and ISL Cup Winners Mumbai City FC (MCFC).
On 14th September two games are scheduled the first match of the two games is between Odisha FC (OFC) and Chennaiyin FC (CFC). The two teams will be facing each other at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar at 5:00 PM IST. Odisha FC was the semi-finalist of the previous season. They lost to MBSG in the second leg despite having a lead in the first.
On the other hand Chennaiyin FC last season was brilliant towards the end of the league and they qualified for the 6th position. They lost to Goa in both legs. But this season they have turned into a formidable side. Owen Coyle will look to fight for the championship. It will be an intense battle for the coaches and the footballers as well. We will take a look at some of the key face-offs of the game.
Here are the 3 player battles to watch out for
3. Hugo Boumous vs Elsinho
Boumous has found his best form in the season so far. The French footballer has been leading the charge in the midfield area for Odisha FC. Boumous since returning to his former coach Sergio Lobera has found his touch back and scoring goals as well. However, he needs to be more fit and control his temperament to lead the side to the championship. He will be a key player in their first game of the season.
To stop him from creating and making the runs inside the box Chennaiyin FC footballer Elsinho will be on the charge. He is very sharp with his anticipation skills and well aware of his defensive ability. He will look to destroy the attacks created by Boumous and keep a good watch on him so that he cannot deliver the balls from the wings or middle of the park.
2. Daniel Chima Chukwu vs Mourtada Fall
Chima Chukwu under Owen Coyle has shined after his unsuccessful stint at East Bengal FC. He has been the coach’s main striker in the long ball counter-attacking system. The Nigerian has joined the club leaving Jameshdpur in the summer window. He will look to open his score sheet on Saturday afternoon.
However, it will not be easy for Chima Chukwu to get past the likes of Mourtada Fall. The Senegalese has bags of experience of playing in the ISL. He has been rock solid at the back and has scored the most goals as a defender in the history of the competition as well. Fall will be very careful with his defending against the likes of the Nigerian striker.
1. Diego Mauricio and Ryan Edwards
The Brazilian helped his side score a lot of goals. He has been one of the deadliest inside the box. Mauricio will look to score more goals as he did last season with the side. He has regained his form. For Odisha to yet again compete in the championship he needs to be at his top form.
But, with Ryan Edwards at the back for the Southern club, it will be difficult for the Brazilian to score easily. Edwards has been the back bone of the team. He was excellent last season with his rough and tough footballing ability. Edwards will keep an eye on Mauricio and not let him score on the weekend.
