ISL 2024: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Mohammedan SC; What To Expect
The Kolkata Derby is all set to create quite a buzz in the stadium on Saturday, 5 October, 2024 with Mohun Bagan Super Giant colliding head-on with Mohammedan SC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at Salt Lake Stadium. What’s In Store? With four points from the first three matches, the team that emerges victorious from this encounter will take a well-timed psychological advantage as this matches up the fourth and final one before the international break. Mohun Bagan’s Plan Of Action It is one of the biggest games in derby history since it shall be the first-ever encounter of these two sides in the league. Mohun Bagan sports an excellent track record against new starters, seven victories in eleven matches and shall look to do just that. Mariners head coach Jose Molina admits his side has shown some weaker streaks on defence lines where it has suffered three goals in as many games. He puts forth the requirement for improvement from both attack and the back end. Mohammedan SC’s Momentum The win over Chennaiyin FC made Mohammedan SC the fifth team to achieve a first away win in ISL history. Key Players Mohammedan SC’s Mirjalol Kasimov and Mohun Bagan’s Dimitrios Petratos are some of the key men to watch out for. Kasimov is on the roll in winning fouls, which will create set-piece opportunities, and Dimitrios Petratos is one appearance away from reaching the landmark 50th game. Both teams promise and strive and this is not going to be an ordinary Kolkata football encounter-they are going to be attacking and not half-hearted. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
ISL 2024: Jamshedpur FC vs East Bengal FC; What To Expect
It is going to be an absolute cracker of an Indian Super League (ISL) 2024 contest as Jamshedpur FC host East Bengal FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on 5th October, 2024 at 5 PM IST. Agenda For Jamshedpur FC Presently standing third in the table with six points from three matches, Jamshedpur FC will look to gain out from the loss they suffered in the last game against Odisha FC. East Bengal FC Miseries East Bengal FC are enduring a bad patch at the bottom of the table with three successive defeats under caretaker coach Bino George. The Red & Gold Brigade will be looking to correct their away record, where they have won only two matches out of their last ten such encounters. However, they had won in Jamshedpur recently when they defeated the former 3-1 in November 2022. Head-To-Head Jamshedpur FC and East Bengal FC have met each other eight times in the ISL. On three occasions, the Men of Steel won the match. On two occasions, East Bengal have triumphed. Three ended in a stalemate. Players To Watch East Bengal’s Cleiton Silva, with three goals the highest tally in this match and Jamshedpur’s Jordan Murray, who has held over ten duels in his last six matches. Preparing For Next Match These are two teams looking to make their mark in the early stages of ISL season. As both the teams look forward to gaining some momentum, this is sure to be a critical clash. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
ISL 2024: Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters FC; What To Expect
The upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 encounter at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, will see Odisha FC clash with Kerala Blasters FC on Thursday, October 3, at 7:30 pm IST. ISL 2024 Season so Far Both teams had so far made an uneven performance in the season with one win each from three opening games. Odisha FC had coined a name for the team-the Juggernauts, managed to win its first game of the season by beating Jamshedpur FC 2-1. Kerala Blasters FC could only play out a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC in its last encounter. Odisha FC’s Dominance Over Kerala Blasters FC With Sergio Lobera at the helm, Odisha FC will take on Kerala Blasters with an impressive winning record. Having won nine of their last eleven ISL encounters against Kerala Blasters, his success rate stands at a whopping 82%. That’s the highest success rate he has achieved against any team for whom he has played at least five times in the tournament. Odisha FC need to not take this fact lightly as they try to consolidate on their win going forward and move up the ladder. Agenda For Kerala Blasters FC Under head coach Mikael Stahre, Kerala Blasters FC will be hoping to improve their dismal form away from home. The team has managed to win just once in eight matches played away from home this calendar year and have conceded in all of those matches. Stahre is more than happy with how his team has been progressing, though he’s not entirely satisfied with the way things have been going for his team. Kerala Blasters have shown glimpses of solidity but haven’t yet gotten into a rhythm at full steam. Head to Head Kerala Blasters FC lead with nine wins in the 23 games played between these two, while Odisha FC won seven and the other seven matches were drawn. Key Players Odisha FC has Mourtada Fall, who recently became part of history, as he is the player who equalled the ISL record for the maximum headed goals scored in a single season with 18 headed goals. Kerala Blasters will have the services of Noah Sadaoui, the player who scored four goals against Odisha-his career best against any team. As the rivalry between Odisha FC and Kerala Blaster resume, fans anticipate an action packed clash. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
ISL 2024: Hyderabad FC vs Chennaiyin FC; What To Expect
Hyderabad FC will host Chennaiyin FC on Tuesday, 01st of October, 2024 as both teams hope to bounce back from defeat into the Matchweek 4 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. Hyderabad FC was defeated 2-0 by Punjab FC, while Chennaiyin FC lost out 1-0 to Mohammedan SC. Defensive Resilience Hyderabad FC have been impenetrable in front of defenses against Chennaiyin FC in the last few games. In their last eight ISL meetings, Hyderabad have conceded one or fewer goals, with four wins, drawn twice and have lost just twice. Hyderabad FC haven’t allowed Chennaiyin to score more than one goal in a match since January 2020, where Chennaiyin won 3-1. Chennaiyin’s Goal-Scoring Streak The Chennaiyin side can exploit any weakness in Hyderabad’s defense as they have scored at least once in each of their last four away games. That too comes after a series of four matches without a back of the net before the current streak of scoring goals, making it all the more impressive. Head-to-Head Both teams are neck and neck as both teams have won four games from their ten previous meetings in the ISL, while two matches have ended as draws. Players to Watch Out For Some of the names to look out for include Chennaiyin FC’s Farukh Choudhary, who has registered eight shots from inside the box so far this season, and Abdul Rabeeh of Hyderabad FC with 50 touches inside the opposition’s box since the beginning of 2024. Daniel Chima Chukwu of Chennaiyin FC will also be a threat as he scored five goals against Hyderabad FC, including getting a hat-trick in the last edition. The stakes are high and this game can ultimately form the perfect recipe for a thrilling clash at Gachibowli, where both teams would be desperate to return to winning ways. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
ISL 2024: Bengaluru FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant; What To Expect
This Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 7:30 PM IST, Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru will host a mega-showdown as Bengaluru FC will lock horns with Mohun Bagan Super Giant in an Indian Super League (ISL) game that promises more twists than a last-minute penalty shootout. Well this is what you can expect from today’s clash at ISL 2024. Bengaluru FC Under head coach Gerard Zaragoza, Bengaluru FC have turned their home ground into a fortress. They had suffered only one defeat from the last nine games and that too an unbelievable 0-4 defeat at the hands of Mohun Bagan last season. Two successive wins against East Bengal and Hyderabad FC finally set their camp enthused to avenge that humbling experience. Mohun Bagan Super Giant The Mariners are just the goal-scoring machinery, scoring 43 open play goals since last season and leaving Bengaluru FC’s 18 goals far behind. This combination of Mohun Bagan is going to entertain the football fans with their attacking play. Tactical Showdown Zaragoza knows that strength in depth is the key, and fresh legs could make a difference in the final minutes. In contrast, Jose Molina is charging his team to intensify their good run of 3-1 win over NorthEast United. Head-to-Head Historically, Mohun Bagan Super Giant has had the better of six of nine recorded encounters. Bengaluru FC will look to turn things on their head and prove that this season is their season! Players To Watch Out For On Bengaluru’s side, watch for Rahul Bheke, who had 102 touches in the last ISL game and Sunil Chhetri with four penalties this season. For Mohun Bagan, Jason Cummings needs one more goal to reach his tenth goal this season, while Dimitri Petratos looks to better contribute to Roy Krishna’s. So keep your jerseys, popcorn and seats ready, for tonight is going to be an epic showdown in ISL 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Nutrition Trend At ISL 2024
The Indian Super League (ISL) has clearly transformed Indian football since its launch back in 2014. For ISL players to give their very best, top physical and mental well-being would be the need of the hour. Nutrition comes in as an important aspect of this requirement. Football is quite rigorous and ISL footballers are on specific nutrition plans that ensure they are fit, recover faster, and give their best on the football field. So, let’s look at the key nutrition trends for ISL footballers in 2024:. Protein: The Muscle Repair Tool Proteins help in repairing and rebuilding the muscles- a fundamental need in the body, especially true for the ISL players who bring their bodies under a tough test. Good quality protein from food or supplements allows your body to recover fast and keeps your body strong throughout the season. Carbohydrates: The Main Energy Source Carbs provide the energy players need for tough training and matches. They fuel the body with glucose, making it impossible for footballers to get winded in the field. Adequate carbs to back it up: the magic formula for replenishment of energy. BCAAs: Rapid Recovery Recovery is always in a hurry. With such a jam-packed schedule, this treatment helps prevent breakdown, which causes muscle soreness. Therefore, faster recovery is the goal of an ISL player to deliver well. Healthy Fats: Energy and Nutrient Absorption Dietary fats must be taken wisely. Healthy fats such as omega-3 and monounsaturated fats help players absorb nutrients while giving sustained energy to keep them in action until the next meal. Hydration: Stay Energized and Focused Since India is a hot region, Indian footballers should always keep themselves hydrated. Dehydration could cause cramps and fatigue and thus, electrolyte drinks would give ISL players easy ways of regaining fluids lost in games and practice. Conclusion: Right Nutrition for Success With the best competition at hand, ISL players need the best nutrition to successfully compete. Following global trends, teams are thus better equipping themselves for the game and, at the same time, their playing position on the field. Proper nutrition is indeed a force toward attaining new heights in Indian football. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
ISL 2024: Jamshedpur FC vs Mumbai City FC: What To Expect
Defending Indian Super League (ISL) champions, Mumbai City FC will visit the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur to play Jamshedpur FC in Jamshedpur’s first home game of the season on Saturday. After a closely contested battle, The Men of Steel emerged 2-1 winners against FC Goa, where Jordan Murray’s stoppage-time winner came in after Javi Siverio’s successful penalty had kept them in the contest. However, head coach Khalid Jamil has asked his team to remain grounded and focused ahead of the crucial clash. Defensive Focus And Key Challenges For Jamshedpur Jamshedpur FC have been on the back foot for most of the games played so far, whereas their defensiveness in that previous match was evident. Goalkeeper, Albino Gomes will have to be much more effective and cannot afford to give up a soft goal like he did at Fatorda. For Jamshedpur’s Jamil, who also coached NorthEast United FC earlier, has an upper hand against the Mumbai City over his last five games – with just one defeat – he will be keen not to allow that to change at the Furnace. Mumbai City FC Seeks First Win Mumbai City FC, however, head into this game riding on the crest of a pulsating 2-2 draw against Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The Islanders did show some remarkable performance when they came back from being two goals down in the first half of play to garner the point. Under head coach Petr Kratky, the Islanders would seek their first win of the season as the players eye something that came close for them last season. Thrilling Battle Anticipated at the Furnace Jamshedpur would love to continue their winning spree while Mumbai City is eager to end their losing run. The stage is well set for an exciting encounter in Jamshedpur as the two teams would approach the game with caution, however would certainly be full of attacking flair throughout the game. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Indian Super League: Football’s Newest Bollywood Blockbuster
In 2014, the Indian Super League (ISL) made its debut. It’s like watching an underdog story unfold, however with more footballs and less melodrama. What started as a fledgling league has now transformed into a financial juggernaut, making the football scene in India as irresistible as a box-office hit. A Star-Studded Cast Imagine Alessandro Del Piero and Robert Pires strolling onto the field like the most glamorous cameos in a blockbuster. These legends didn’t just bring their skills; they brought the football world’s attention, turning the ISL into the hottest ticket in town. Add in some major Indian business moguls, like the JSW Group, owning Bengaluru FC and you’ve got a winning combination that even the most skeptical critics can’t ignore. Nurturing Future Stars The ISL isn’t just about glitz and glamour, it’s got heart too. Think of clubs like Bengaluru FC as the nurturing mentors in our sports drama, scouting and developing local talent who are destined for stardom. It’s like discovering the next big actor in a small-town audition and then watching them shine on the international stage. Let’s also not forget Kerala Blasters FC’s social media antics—they’re the energetic sidekick, keeping fans entertained and engaged. The Money Moves In the world of football, broadcasting deals and sponsorships are the VIP passes and the ISL has been winning these passes with style. With Star India initially backing the league and Viacom18 snatching up media rights for a whopping 550 crore over two years in 2023, the ISL is proving it’s not just a football league—it’s a financial blockbuster. Playing Through the Pandemic Plot Twist When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the ISL wasn’t about to let its story end on a cliffhanger. Instead, it pivoted like a pro, setting up matches in a bio-secure bubble in Goa. This not only kept the league alive but also earned it accolades from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), boosting its global reputation. Curtain Call So, there you have it. The ISL’s journey from a hopeful debut in 2014 to a flourishing business spectacle in 2024. It’s a reminder that with the right mix of talent, investment and a bit of flair, Indian football isn’t just playing the game—it’s rewriting the script. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Is Sunil Chhetri India’s Richest Footballer?
One more legend walks into the sunset. It was an emotional night for arguably, India’s best footballer ever Sunil Chhetri. The match ended in a goalless draw, but for Indian fans, the result was secondary. The great man couldn’t control his tears and along with him cried millions of football fans. The day was a long time coming, but when was the question? In the early hours of May 16, 2024, Chhetri posted a video on his official X channel, with the caption – ‘I’d like to say something…’ Many would have guessed it right, but even then, there were several, others, who didn’t want to hear it. At 39 years of age, and having represented India in 151 matches, Sunil Chhetri decided to hang his boots. Here’s the video. After Chhetri announced that the June 6th game against Kuwait, a FIFA World Cup qualifier, would be his last international appearance for the Blue Tigers, the support was unbelievable one. The match played at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal had 58,000 supporters just to cheer for Chhetri. Even, some of the greats couldn’t help themselves but salute the champion footballer. Is Chhetri, the richest Indian footballer? Emotion-wise, yes, but if one talks about the net worth, then Sunil Chhetri isn’t the richest footballer in India. As per the latest report, Chhetri’s net worth is around USD 1.5 million (Rs 12.30 Crore). However, the richest footballer in India is Gouramangi Singh Moirangthem, with a reported net worth of USD 5 million (Rs 41 Crore). Singh is a former professional footballer who represented India in 71 matches between 2006 and 2013. He currently serves as an assistant coach of the ISL club Goa, having called time on his playing days in 2019. Talking of Chhetri, his major source of earnings comes from the ISL, where he plays for Bengaluru FC. He earns close to Rs 10 Lakh per match, and his expected earnings for a year, comes close to Rs 1 Crore. Chhetri is ahead of Singh in terms of goal-scoring for the Blues but trails when it comes to net worth. Even his teammate and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has a net worth of Rs 30 Crore. This is nearly 2.5 times Chhetri’s net worth. Former men’s football team skipper Baichung Bhutia has a net worth of Rs 5 Crore, again better than Chhetri. It seems like post-retirement, Chhetri has a lot more catching to do and score big off the pitch to even come close to his ex-teammates bank balance and net worth.
