ISL 2017 Match 1: Kerala Blasters vs ATK - Top 5 players who can make an impact on the game

The opening game of the Indian Super League Season 4 could not have been more cracking! Two teams with solid squads and passionate fans will clash on Friday in what promises to be an amazing start to the weekend.

Both teams have recruited a handful of players who can make the difference for their sides. That being said, let's take a look at five players you need to watch out for on the opening day. These players have the potential to influence the outcome of today's crunch game!

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#5 C.K. Vineeth

Kerala's homeboy, C.K. Vineeth has admitted he is glad the team's first ISL game is against ATK. After all, last year's heartbreaking loss in the final will not be forgotten until they make amends.

Vineeth may not have the nimble feet that a world class striker usually possess but he's a hard worker and in football, nothing beats a man who is ready to put in the yards. More often than not, he has been rewarded for pressing high up the field. He is sure to give ATK's defenders a hard time off the ball.

#4 Robin Singh

Robin will be itching to repay his team's faith in him.

With ATK's star striker Robbie Keane out due to an Achilles injury, all eyes will be on Robin Singh. ATK took their time to pick him up in the draft and at one point, it seemed as if he may actually go unpicked.

But destiny had better plans for him and the imposing forward will be itching to repay the faith. Simply put, Robin has not been delivering given his massive talent. Indian captain Sunil Chhetri too, has admitted that he is waiting to see the real Robin Singh. ATK's new recruit has a glorious opportunity to shut the critics up.

#3 Sandesh Jhingan

Jhingan will have his work cut out against ATK's forwards

How successful Kerala can be against ATK will largely depend on how they build from the back. In Sandesh Jhingan, the Blasters have a solid centre-back, who is one of the best Indian defenders in the business and the captain of the side.

He's versatile but more importantly, he's a leader who is never afraid to voice his opinion on the pitch. Jhingan is a no-nonsense defender and you will never see him play dangerous give-and-gos near his own penalty area. He certainly brings a sense of reliability in the team.

#2 Eugeneson Lyngdoh

Eugeneson will hope to control the midfield area

When he was at Bengaluru FC, Eugeneson Lyngdoh was a joy to watch. His ability to glide across the pitch is second to none. Add to that, he poses a realistic threat from dead ball situations.

He sees passes that others usually don't and this means ATK have someone in their ranks who is capable of splitting the opposition defence wide open with a single stinging pass. If he can get going, Kerala's midfield will have a tough time in keeping him in check. It will be interesting to see how Eugeneson sets up for his new team this time around.

#1 Dimitar Berbatov

Cool customer Berbatov will be vital for Kerala

This one's a no-brainer, isn't it? Some might say former Tottenham and Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov may find it a tad too easy in the ISL. But mind you, the Bulgarian's last professional stint was with Greek outfit PAOK FC, where he managed to score only once every four games.

His magical first touch? Unparalleled. His control on the ball? Unrivaled. His off the ball movements? Clever. There's only one thing left for him to do -- replicate his glory days in a Kerala Blasters jersey.

There is no doubt, he will be a handful for ATK's defenders. When his moment arrives, there is little you can do to stop him.