Indian Super League will be back in action on November 23, 2019 (Saturday) with a blockbuster clash of Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters after the conclusion of the international break. The derby is set to be played at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The opening four weeks of the season has been a roller coaster ride with big names struggling to stamp their authority while newcomers making their mark in ISL. Two-time champions Chennaiyin FC are rock bottom with no wins while the other two-time champions ATK, are at the top of the points table. Defending champions Bengaluru had a tough start to the season but managed to get their first win last time out. And with India’s premier club competition returning back into action we take a look at some of the players who can make an impact during the season. Pregnant Bengaluru FC Fan Seeks Permission to Carry Hot Water to Saturday’s Game, Club Offers Her Seat in Owner’s Box.
A lot of players have lit up the league because of their performances and as a result, have got a chance with the national teams. Youngsters like Farukh Choudhary and Manvir Singh were named in the starting line-up against Oman during India’s World Cup Qualifiers match. Former Shillong Lajong player Redeem Tlang has been a revelation this season under Robert Jami for NorthEast. Along with the Indian stars some foreign players have also made a great impact in this season’s competition. ATK duo Roy Krishna and David Williams have scored six goals between them in the opening four games and have been a nightmare for the opposition defense to deal with. Veteran Ferran Corominas has been spectacular this season, as well as the Spaniard, is the joint top scorer along with Sergio Castel and Andre Santana. With the league returning back this weekend we take a look at some key players. Igor Stimac Calls for Patience, Says I-League as Important as ISL.
Brandon Fernandes
The FC Goa midfielder is one of the most enigmatic players in the league. Brandon’s set-piece quality is second to none as the Goan was the main creator of goals for team India during their World Cup qualifiers. Fernandes has assisted all of the goals scored by India in the qualifying matches. This season the midfielder has three assists for his club side and has been an integral part in their charge toward the top of the table.
Farukh Choudhary
The youngster has burst on to the scene this year with Jamshedpur FC and has been the driving force behind the Men of Steel. The youngster has played in all of Jamshedpur’s matches so far and has a goal and an assist to his name. Such was the influence of Farukh in ISL this season that national coach Stimac called him up for international duty and also played him in both of the qualifying matches. The Jamshedpur winger will be looking to continue his good form once the season resumes.
David Williams
The Brisbane born Australian Joined ATK from Wellington Phoenix at the start of the season, a lot was expected from the forward and he delivered. Williams has scored three goals so far in the competition and is the joint leading scorer along with compatriot Roy Krishna. The big Australian also has three assists to his mane and is the leading contributor of goals from his team.
Indian Super League returns this weekend with a mouth-watering clash between defending champions Bengaluru and Kerala Blasters. The Kochi based side hasn’t won since the opening day while Bengaluru just recorded their first victory in the last round. Both the teams will be ready to go all out and get a win to resume their season in a positive way.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 21, 2019 07:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).