If Ashique Kuruniyan’s value to the Indian team could be captured in one phase of play, look no further than the first half India played against Thailand at the AFC Asian Cup in January 2019, in Abu Dhabi.
Sunil Chhetri sprinted over to take a throw-in, and as he looked around for support, Ashique, who had started the match in attack in a surprise promotion ahead of Jeje Lalpekhlua, sprinted up to get in line with the central defender marking him. Chhetri released the ball deep into the corner,…
How did the two new ISL clubs - Hyderabad FC and Odisha FC – come to be, and how are they likely to line up for the 2019-20 season? Will these teams be able qualify for the AFC Champions League (ACL) for 2021?
The All India Football Fed…
Even as uncertainty looms over the immediate future of the I-League, the franchise-based Indian Super League (ISL) will have a new team based in Hyderabad for the 2019-20 season.
Hyderabad FC, ESPN understands, will be replacing FC Pun…
In keeping with their announcement earlier this week, Minerva Punjab did not show up for their opening game of the Super Cup against FC Pune City in Bhubaneswar on Friday. Six other I-League clubs have also threatened to withdraw, and C…
This season was poor throughout for Chennaiyin, the defending champions finishing at the bottom of the table.
The first line sums up their pre-season prediction, while the second looks at their performance this season.
ATK
Pre-season pred…
Bengaluru FC are unbeaten and at the top of the table
After a five-week break, the Indian Super League is back in action, with a number of high-profile clashes. As the runaway leaders, Bengaluru FC are all but through to the playoffs, but the remaining three spots are still up for grabs.
Can Nelo Vingada win Blasters’ fans over?
Nelo Vingada has had a lot of success in his career. His last major triumph, though, came in 2010, when he led FC Seoul to the K-League title. Since then, he has managed 86 matches – for Chinese club Dalian Shide, the Iran…
Amrinder Singh has been Mumbai City’s best player over the last fortnight.
As we head into this fortnight’s international break, we welcome you to round 3 of ESPN’s ISL Power Rankings.
#10 Amrinder Singh – 108.3 points (new)
Goalkeeper, Mumbai City
After a sluggish start to the season, Mumbai City have gathered up a head of steam on the back of three consecutive wins (1-0, 1-0 and 2-0). Coming after that 5-0 hammering at the Fatorda, this shows immense strength of character from the Islanders — especially from their best player over the last fortnight, Amrinder Singh.
He’s…
Pune have been unbeaten in Mumbai since 2014
The Indian Super League (ISL) will resume on Wednesday after an international break, and the first nine matches have already produced their share of upsets and breakout performances at either end of …
Chennaiyin beat Bengaluru 3-2 in the 2017-18 ISL final.
Last season, Bengaluru topped the ISL league table with 40 points — eight clear of their nearest rivals, Chennaiyin FC. The football they played over the course of the tournament had been…
Anas, Gurpreet and Jeje share a lighter moment ahead of the new ISL season
The first line sums up their previous seasons, while the second looks at their upcoming campaign. A bonus pre-season prediction of the four teams that will feature in the playoffs.
ATK
Been the league’s heavyweights, but last season needs erasing fast.
Under Coppell, expect more discipline, but who will fetch goals?
Bengaluru FC
Best for most part on debut, before slipping in final.
The nucleus remaining the same, can they maintain standard throughout?
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John Gregory, Carles Cuadrat and David James are all smiles before a grueling season
Chennaiyin FC