Mohammedan SC plays their debut match in the ISL by welcoming Durand Cup champions Northeast United at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Monday.
MSC vs NOE Match Details
Date: Monday, 16 August 2024
Time: 19:30 (IST)
Venue: Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
MSC vs NOE Match Preview
After a decade of absence from the top flight of Indian men’s football, Mohammedan SC is back among the big boys after winning the I-League in a sensational campaign. The Black Panthers became the second side to be promoted to ISL and joined the two other giants from Kolkata as a third club from the same city for the first time. Head coach Andrey Chernysov proved to be a game-changer for Mohammedan in his first stint but the Russian made sure he met his objective after getting his role for the second time last year. The challenge in the ISL will be different so the team brought in some exciting Indian talents in the transfer window with hopeful foreign signings. Losing out on three-time A-League winner Nuno Reis’s signature to city rivals Mohun Bagan has tasted sour but the team looks prepared for a historical season to add to their legacy. Mohammedan SC's league opener against the Durand Cup winners, NorthEast United, is a tough start. However, the 133-year-old club will be eager to secure their first ISL victory in their debut game, especially on home turf.
Like their opposition, Northeast United also created history before the new ISL season by winning the Durand Cup for the first time defeating holders Mohun Bagan Super Giant on penalties at Salt Lake. The team battled from 2-0 down at half-time to end the game 2-2 and the shootout victory in a memorable final last month. Finally, the Highlanders saw the face of their first silverware in history under revolutionary coach Juan Pedro Benali who gave a hint of transformation in the previous season of the club that finished bottom last year. The side stayed unbeaten for the entire campaign winning all games until the final. Such an impactful display builds hope for Northeast United to be a strong playoff contender in the upcoming ISL campaign having missed out on the top six by just a point last time. The Durand Cup winners will demand three points to start their league season returning to the city they claimed the trophy. Facing an unknown opponent and managing just one win on the road last season, Northeast will be desperate to change the record at Kishore Bharati.
MSC vs NOE Team News
Mohammedan SC suffered a huge blow after losing new signing Abdul Kadiri Mohammed for the season with an ACL injury with left-back Mohammed Jassim also sidelined for the clash. However, there are no injury concerns for NorthEast United.
MSC vs NOE Predicted Lineups
Mohammedan SC
Padam Chettri; Samad Mallick, Joseph Adjei, Gaurav Bora, Sajad Parray; Amarjit Singh, Mirjalol Kasimov; Rochharzela, Alexis Gómez, Makan Chote; Cesar Manzoki
Northeast United
Gurmeet Singh; Dinesh Singh, Míchel Zabaco, Asheer Akhtar, Buanthanglun Samte; Mayakkannan Muthu Mohammed Bemammer; Parthib Gogoi, Néstor Albiach, Jithin M.S; Guillermo Hierro
MSC vs NOE Dream11 Match Prediction
It might take some time for Mohammedan SC to settle into the top tier and starting their debut season against the Durand Cup winners might be too hot to handle. The Black Panthers are expected to give a tough fight at home but Northeast United will be slight favourites in this clash. We predict a 2-1 win for the Highlanders.
MSC vs NOE Dream11 Team Top picks
Captain Pick: Jithin M.S
Vice-captain Pick: Nestor Albiach
MSC vs NOE Dream11 Team Suggestion
GK: Gurmeet (Cr - 7.5)
DEF: Akhtar (Cr - 8), Zabaco (Cr - 7.5), Sajad (Cr - 8)
MID: Chote (Cr - 9), Nestor (Cr - 9), Amarjit (Cr - 8.5), Kasimov (Cr - 7.5)
FW: Parthib (Cr - 8.5), Hierro (Cr - 6.5), Jithin (Cr - 8.5)
Vice-captain: Nestor Albiach
Captain: Jithin M.S
