TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM
The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL. The games will be telecasted with the option of English and/or Hindi commentary over their bouquet of television as well as digital platforms.
Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.
TEAM NEWS
As we have seen during the pre-season matches, coach Joao Carlos Pires De Deus prefers a 4-4-2 formation. He has several strikers at his disposal, which makes it easy for him to select two forwards.
They also have two big Indian names in the midfield, namely Lalrindika Ralte and Halicharan Narzary, who are expected to be automatic choices in the starting XI. NorthEast United are expected to field two foreigners in midfield in the absence of India international Rowllin Borges who will miss the opening fixture due to an injury.
Young central defender Abdul Hakku who played several matches during the pre-season is likely to make his ISL debut in this game. Experienced defenders Nirmal Chettri and Robin Gurung are likely to be the first choice full-backs.
Injured - Rowllin Borges Doubtful - None Key Players - Marcinho, Halicharan Narzary, Lalrindika Ralte Jamshedpur FC do not have injury concerns as they embark on a new journey on Saturday against NorthEast United. Gaffer Steve Coppell is likely to field his strongest possible line-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with the newest recruit Izu Azuka upfront. His trusted lieutenants from Kerala Blasters Kervens Belfort and Mehtab Hossain will start in the starting XI.
Injured - None Doubtful - Sameehg Doutie Key Players - Andre Bikey, Anas Edathodika, Kervens Belfort
GAME PREVIEW
NorthEast United have roped in Portuguese Joao Carlos Pires de Deus as their new manager this season. They are one of the two franchises in ISL who have never reached the playoffs in the last three seasons. The Highlanders, thus, will be desperate for a top-four finish in the league stage and take a step forward in the league.
Jamshedpur will begin a new journey in the ISL this time and will hope for a winning start to their campaign. They have a big name like Steve Coppell at the helm of affairs who has experience in Indian football. Coppell guided Kerala Blasters to the title last season and will be hopeful of a similar sort of run this time around. And what better way than to start with a win?
It will be interesting to see whether new entrants Jamshedpur kickoff their debut ISL season with a win or will The Highlanders get a strong start at their fortress?
