Indian Super League (ISL) 2024/25 season has already made its way on Friday. With two champions of last season Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG) the shield winners and Mumbai City FC (MCFC) the cup winners’s match ended in a 2-2 draw. On Saturday there are two games scheduled with Odisha FC (OFC) taking on Chennaiyin FC (CFC) in the first game. In the evening Bengaluru FC (BFC) will be hosting East Bengal FC (EBFC).
Sunday Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) will be facing Punjab FC (PFC) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. The latter team was excellent in the second half of the season. Due to injuries, KBFC struggled with their form in the latter half of the season. They have let go some of their key footballers to East Bengal and other clubs. The two teams are looking nice ahead of the new season.
There will be some interesting match-ups on the weekend as the two teams face each other. Punjab would want a better finish than last season. On the other hand, the Blasters will be looking to place their hands in the silverware for the first time. They are the only team that has not won any trophies in the Indian football competitions. We will take a look at some of the exciting face-offs of the match.
Here are the 3 player battles to watch out for
3. Noah Sadaoui vs Tekcham Abhishek Singh
Noah Sadaoui has been one of the best wingers in the ISL. The Moroccan was sensational for FC Goa last two seasons. He joined KBFC in this summer window, since joining the side he won the Golden Boot in the Durand Cup 2024. Showcased his goal-scoring ability once again in new colours. He will look to continue his red-hot form in the ISL as well.
Tekcham Abhishek Singh will be having a tough time on Sunday. The Manipuri right-back has been amazing for the side. Abhishek on the right-hand side on the weekend will be up against the likes of Noah and it will be a difficult task for the young defender to match the quality. However, it will be a nice match-up if he plays his defensive role to stop the winger.
2. Ezequiel Vidal vs Pritam Kotal
Vidal has been a trump card for Punjab FC. The Argentine showcased his class in the second half of the Durand Cup quarter-final against Mohun Bagan. After coming on from the bench Pulga Vidal changed the match in the favour of the ‘Shers’. However his team lost the game, but he played sensationally in that match. He will be a player to watch on the weekend.
Vidal will be up against the likes of Pritam Kotal who is very experienced in the ISL. Kotal has been there since the start of the season. He after joining the Blasters has been their main Indian defender. The veteran will look to stop the deliveries of Vidal and not let him score goals on the night. The face-off will be an interesting one to watch.
1. Adrian Luna vs Nikhil Prabhu
Luna has been the best man for Kerala Blasters since joining. The creative midfielder missed out last season due to an injury. He came back in the latter half of the season. However, he could not deliver his best. Luna would like to start his new season, in a high manner and help his team to win the first game.
Nikhil Prabhu will be up against Luna to stop him from creating the attacks. Prabhu was excellent in the middle of the park. The Punjab midfielder will have a tough task on Sunday to stop the attack created by the Blasters captain and also not let him score the goals.
