Indian Super League: Online Betting Preview

Indian Super League (ISL 2017) is into its fourth edition now. Even after three years, it remains a strange beast – a continuous league played in a stretch over a couple of months. ISL 2017 begins tomorrow at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, with a match between the last year’s finalists: Atlético de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters. ATK beat Blasters last year in penalty shoot-out.

The teams have changed vastly from the last season, as fresh player drafts and auctions were held to accommodate two new teams. Moreover, it is too early to predict the teams’ chances. In the ISL, teams usually evolve as they progress during the season. It is better to wait and watch before making any online betting moves for picking a winner. Let’s move into this week’s fixtures.

Matches

November 17

Kerala Blasters vs Atlético de Kolkata

November 18

NorthEast United vs Jamshedpur FC

November 19

Chennaiyin FC vs FC Goa
Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC

Kerala Blasters vs Atlético de Kolkata

Both the teams looked rusty in the practice sessions. ATK looked more organized even though they are a bit short on stars compared to Blasters. ATK’s major star is Robbie Keane. His goal-scoring feats are legendary. But at 38, he may not be able to replicate the same success in the ISL. ATK has an excellent support cast of Indian players in the midfield: Eugenson Lyngdoh, Robin Singh and Jayesh Rane. If they can provide enough space for Keane, ATK can produce bright attacking football. Their defense, led by Spanish veteran Jordi Montel and Indian goal-keeper Debjit Mazumder, looks safe and secure as well.

Kerala blasters have ISL’s dream frontline: CK Vineeth and Ian Hume are two of the most lethal attackers in the league. Joining them is former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov – the man with a silken first touch. Berbatov looked rather immobile in the training, but he still retains his soft touch with the ball and ability to produce killer passes. If he remains fit and agile, Kerala Blasters could blast away ATK in front of a vociferous home crowd.

Prediction for online betting: ATK to win comfortably, as Blasters are terrible starters.

NorthEast United vs Jamshedpur FC

Saturday’s fixture could be a low-profile affair. But North East’s foreign strikers – Danilo Lopes Cezario and Luis Alfonso Paez – can become a roaring success in this season. The Brazilian midfielder Marcinho could also be a revelation. They could prove a challenge to the more defensively aligned Jamshedpur FC. Jamshedpur reputedly has a strong defence: Anas Edathodika, Mehtab Hossain, Souvik Chakrabarti and goalkeeper Subrata Paul are poised to form a well-knit defensive unit.

Prediction for online betting: NorthEast United to score a narrow win.

Chennaiyin FC vs FC Goa

The big names are missing from Chennaiyin FC’s line-up this year. Coach Marco Materazzi has left. John Gregory is the new coach. Chennaiyin FC are pinning their hope in their young Indian brigade, led by Jeje Lalpekhlua and Jerry Lalrinzuala. They also have the experienced Raphael Augusto to man the midfield. FC Goa too have parted ways with Zico and brought in a new coach Sergio Lobera, who has worked as FC Barcelona’s assistant coach. Goa’s strength is their midfield comprising fast Indian players: Pronay Halder, Mandar Rao and Pratesh Shirodkar. Spanish strikers Adrián Colunga and Ferran Corominas add bite to their attack.

Prediction for online betting: Both the teams are attacking outfits. Expect goals. FC Goa to win in the end.

Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC

Bengaluru FC, led by Sunil Chhetri, is arguably the best Indian club. They have proved their mettle in the Indian domestic competition. Now they are out to do the same in the ISL also. Mumbai City FC looks a bit diffident against their celebrated opponents. Still, they can spring a surprise or two, especially through their raw striker Balwant Singh.

Prediction for online betting: Bengaluru FC is the overwhelming favorites.
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