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
Rene Meulensteen has a fully-fit squad to choose from and will have selection headaches up front. India international Jackichand Singh might have to be content with a place on the bench as Wes Brown prefers to play in defence. As a result, Nemanja Lakic-Pesic cannot be called into partner skipper Sandesh Jhingan. The spot for the final foreigner is expected to go to the valiantly named Courage Pekuson. Injured - None Doubtful - None Key Players - Iain Hume, Dimitar Berbatov, CK Vineeth The defending champions are plagued with injury problems as star striker and former Liverpool man Robbie Keane will only feature from the fourth game, nursing an Achilles injury back home in Ireland. Carl Baker is also sidelined with a similar problem. Jayesh Rane’s knee injury will keep him out for at least two weeks. Hitesh Sharma has recovered and fears of Robin Singh and Ashutosh Mehta missing out on the opening game have subsided as all three have made the trip to Kochi. Injured - Robbie Keane, Carl Baker, Jayesh Rane Doubtful - None Key Players - Zequinha, Robin Singh, Njazi Kuqi
GAME PREVIEW
Kerala Blasters’ only win ever against ATK came in Kochi in 2014. Since then, the Kolkata side have bullied their way to two titles, twice meeting the yellow-clad outfit in the finals. Backed by their vociferous crowd, Kerala Blasters would look to spoil ATK’s party on the opening day.
Iain Hume returns to his old stomping ground after spending two seasons at ATK and will be welcomed by the supporters but he will be of little help to Meulensteen when it comes to scouting opponents given the total change of structure for ATK. Former Spurs and Manchester United man Teddy Sheringham has taken the reins of the most successful club of the ISL. He will be desperate to prove a point in his managerial career which is yet to reflect his playing days. He will be helped by former Bengaluru FC gaffer Ashley Westwood who took a role at ATK as ‘Technical Director’ and was instrumental in ushering the likes of Robin Singh and Eugeneson Lyngdoh from the ISL draft.
Rene Meulensteen, a longtime right-hand man of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson has brought with him a host of Old Trafford old-timers in Berbatov, Wes Brown and Paul Rachubka. Thangboi Singto, the former Shillong Lajong coach will assist him and it will be his experience with Indian football that will hold the Blasters in good stead. Jawaharlal Nehru stadium is set to witness another high-voltage clash amid an electric atmosphere. Will the Tuskers claim a win or will ATK stand tall once again on the Kochi pitch?
