All eyes on ISL star Marcelinho as I-League kicks off

All eyes could be on Brazilian star Marcelinho Leite Pereira when a spirited Rajasthan United FC make their I-League debut in opposition to RoundGlass Punjab FC within the opening day’s fixture on the Kalyani Stadium right here on Sunday.
The 34-year-old, who had taken the Indian Super League by storm successful the Golden Boot in his maiden season in 2016, is without doubt one of the greatest sights this I-League season.
Having began off with the Delhi Dynamos, the attacking midfielder loved spells at FC Pune City, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC and ATK Mohun Bagan, making 79 appearances and scoring 33 targets.
The ahead scored 10 targets en path to successful the Golden Boot in his maiden season and with 18 assists, he’s additionally at third place at present within the all-time ISL charts.
Now he’ll look to boost the bar for RUFC who’s the primary crew from Rajasthan to qualify for the I-League.

fifteenth version of the Hero I-League to kick off on Boxing Day
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— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) December 7, 2021
“It’s a new team, and I want to set an example for the young players. At the same time, I want to enjoy my football with the team, and let all enjoy it too,” the Brazilian stated.
About his goal, he stated: “To be at the top.”
“The target is always to be champions. Nothing else matters.”

They even have the likes of I-League winner Komron Turunov, Diego Bielkiewicz, Akeem Abioye and Fabiano Alves of their foreigners’ lineup.
The Ashley Westwood-coached Punjab FC, then again, have the likes of English defender Josef Yarney, Spanish midfielder Joseba Beitia, English striker Kurtis Guthrie and Australian ahead Travis Major.
Local gamers Gurtej Singh, Rinto Anto and Bikash Yumnam will kind the core of their defence, whereas the midfield shall be helmed by the likes of CK Vineeth, Kean Lewis and Ashish Pradhan.
In assault, the membership will financial institution on Sumeet Passi and Robin Singh to attain targets.
Hailing RUFC’s success, Westwood acknowledged that they’re equipped for a tricky combat.
“They have trained well and maybe better prepared considering the fact that they have played competitive matches longer. They will have the advantage,” Westwood stated in a digital interplay on the eve of their match.

“We are expecting a tough game. We need to perform well otherwise we will coming back with no points,” he added.
Former JCT defender Gurtej Singh is wanting ahead to his return to his homeland.
“I’ve played for JCT before. After a long time, I’m getting a chance to play for Punjab again. It’s really a proud moment for me,” Gurtej stated.
The opening day’s fixtures may even see holders Gokulam Kerala go up in opposition to former champions Churchill Brothers in one other match on the Kalyani Stadium.
The Malabarians edged out the Red Machines by the narrowest of margins final season to clinch their first ever I-League title.
Aiming to deliver the trophy house as soon as once more, the Goan facet have assembled a high quality squad underneath head coach Petre Gigiu, who had led them to a fourth-place end in 2018-19.
Gokulam Kerala, coached by Italian Vincenzo Alberto Annese, will miss the Ghanaian trio of Denny Antwi, Philip Adjah and Mohamed Awal who’ve left the membership.
In their locations, they’ve roped in defender Aminou Bouba and ahead Rahim Osumanu.
“We have a lot of youngsters who will make their I-League debuts. It’s also great to have players continuing from last season as well, like Alex Saji who is now a part of the national camp,” their Italian coach stated.
“Churchill are our big rivals from last season but I don’t focus too much on our opponents. I only study them tactically. If we concentrate on our team, we can beat them all,” he asserted.
The All India Football Federation’s developmental outfit Indian Arrows who’re based mostly out of Bhubaneswar will tackle TRAU FC on the Mohun Bagan floor right here.
Local heavyweights Mohammedan SC, underneath new head coach Andrey Chernyshov, may even be eager to win their first I-League title with a bunch of high quality signings, together with 26-year-old Serbian Nikola Stojanovic, who was inspirational of their CFL win earlier this 12 months, one thing that got here after 40 years.
They may even have the likes of skilled professional Marcus Joseph from Trinidad and Tobago and Brandon Vanlalremdika, Montenegrin midfielder Andjelo Rudovic and six-foot-five Bosnian ahead Ismar Tandir.
Real Kashmir, with star gamers like Fran Gonzalez and Mason Robertson, shall be using excessive on their second successive IFA Shield victory that got here earlier this month.
With the inclusion of three new sides — Sreenidi Deccan FC of Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan United FC and Kenkre FC of Kolhapur — the forthcoming version will characteristic 13 groups from 11 cities.
The I-League champion facet will play within the top-tier Indian Super League from 2023 onwards on “sporting” benefit.
Two years after this, there shall be promotion (from I-League to ISL) and relegation (from ISL and I-League) between the 2 leagues.
Just like final 12 months, the I-League shall be held in a bio-secure atmosphere with strict COVID-19 protocols.
The matches shall be performed throughout three venues — Mohun Bagan Ground in Kolkata, Kalyani Stadium and Naihati Stadium.