Last season’s runners-up Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC will renew their rivalry when they kick off the 11th ISL here on Friday, marking the start of a new chapter with the Kolkata Maidan ‘Big Three’ now competing in India’s top-tier football competition.
Mohammedan SC have joined city rivals and two other century-old clubs, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, in the Indian Super League this season.
Mohammedan Sporting secured promotion after winning the I-League last season and the 103-year-old club will be eager to quickly adapt to the demands of top-flight football.
Mohun Bagan was the first to join the ISL, in 2020, following its merger with ATK, forming ATK Mohun Bagan.
Since his arrival, the Mariners have been consistent and have always been seen as title contenders, including last season when they became league champions by winning the Shield but lost to Mumbai City FC in the ISL Cup final.
East Bengal joined the top-flight league soon after Mohun Bagan through an independent consortium. Their entry completed the transition of Kolkata’s two most famous clubs from the I-League to the ISL, rekindling the century-old rivalry at the top level of Indian football.
With the addition of Mohammedan Sporting, the Maidan will now witness Kolkata’s ‘Big Three’ battle it out in the ISL, adding a new layer of competition and excitement to the league, which is now bigger with 13 teams.
The opening match between Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City promises to set the tone for an exciting season.
Mohun Bagan and MCFC shared the top honours between them in the last few seasons.
Mohun Bagan have strengthened their attack with the signing of Australian A-League’s all-time leading scorer Jamie Maclaren, who is currently battling an injury.
But their defence has been in trouble since the controversial transfer of Indian centre-back Anwar Ali to East Bengal, while the duo of Brendan Hamill and Hector Yuste have also parted ways.
The challenge for coach José Molina will be to develop new dynamics.
The Islanders have won the ISL League Shield and the ISL Cup twice, with all of these triumphs coming in the last four seasons.
Captain Rahul Bheke, midfielder Apuia, midfielder Alberto Noguera and forward Jorge Pereyra Díaz have been the big stars to leave the team.
But MCFC have signed Brandon Fernandes, Jeremy Manzorro, Jon Toral, TP Rehenesh, Nikolaos Karelis, Hitesh Sharma and Sahil Panwar and the key for Petr Kratky would be to combine them well.
The 2024-25 season promises to be more open and competitive, with NorthEast United FC setting the tone with a thrilling victory in the season-opening Durand Cup recently.
Trailing 2-0 to Mohun Bagan at half-time in front of a partisan crowd at the Salt Lake Stadium, the John Abraham-owned side mounted a stunning comeback, levelling the scores on the hour mark and then overcoming the home favourites 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to win their first title a decade after the club’s inception.
Juan Pedro Benali’s team, which came close to making the playoffs last season, will look to build on its success at the Durand Cup.
The team has parted ways with Tomi Juric, their top scorer in the ISL last season, who made a notable impact despite his limited appearances.
However, they have strengthened their attack with the signings of Guillermo Fernández and Aleaddine Ajaraie, who contributed significantly to their triumph in the Durand Cup.
The shadow of Anwar Ali
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The shadow of Anwar Ali’s four-month ban and the Rs 12.9 crore fine, which will be paid by the player, his parent club Delhi FC and East Bengal, will loom large over the Red and Whites.
Ali, one of India’s top defenders, was found guilty of breaching his contract with Mohun Bagan by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Players’ Status Committee.
Mohammedan Sporting are facing a difficult season due to the departure of key players Eddie Hernandez and David Lalhansanga.
They have reinforced their squad with Indian talents like Sajad Hussain Parray, Makan Chothe and Gaurav Bora, along with star signing Cesar Manzoki from the UAE Pro League and Brazilian striker Franca.
Head coach Andrey Chernyshov was retained after success in the I-League and the Russian is expected to work his magic in the ISL now.
Last season’s semi-finalists FC Goa will arrive with renewed optimism under the leadership of coach Manolo Marquez, who will combine his club duties with his work with the national team.
They recently won the Bandodkar Trophy, where they proved their mettle against international teams like Brisbane Roar and Defence and Justice.
The Gaurs have retained their core and added strategic reinforcements, positioning themselves as strong contenders.
Chennaiyin FC had an active transfer window, adding young forwards, while Bengaluru FC, in what could be Sunil Chhetri’s final season, will also be pushing to challenge for play-off success.
Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC have also made rapid progress, including winning the Super Cup, and the Spaniard would be looking to add another title to his solitary title.
The team receives a significant boost with the addition of Hugo Boumous, who rejoins Coach Lobera following successful spells at FC Goa and Mumbai City FC.
Kerala Blasters could struggle with a weakened squad following the departure of East Bengal’s Jeakson Singh and tactician Ivan Vukomanovic.
All eyes will also be on Indian coach Khalid Jamil at Jamshedpur FC, who will be looking to rebuild after last season’s late-season collapse.
Hyderabad FC are the weakest team in the tournament and have suffered financial instability during the build-up to the season. They will have a tough task ahead of them.
The match will start at 7:30 p.m.
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