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The second match of ISL 2017 sees NorthEast United FC take on debutants Jamshedpur FC, who will look to make a statement by winning their first match. The match will see Steve Coppell, who led Kerala Blasters to the final taking charge at Jamshedpur.
Goalkeeper:
Subrata Paul: The “Spider-Man” is one of India’s best goalkeepers, and has kept 13 clean sheets, the most by an Indian player in ISL. He has won 66 caps for India, which is the most by an Indian keeper, highlighting his class and reliability. With Anas and Tiri ahead of him, Paul is looking a good bet for a clean sheet.
Defenders
Tiri: The experienced Tiri played a key role in ATK’s run to the final last season. The 26-year-old is a calming presence at the back. He is also good at anticipating danger and positioning himself well to clear the danger. The Spaniard has made 223 clearances, only 2 foreigners have made more in the ISL.
Anas Edathodika: Anas Edathodika has emerged as one of India’s best centre-backs in the last 2 years. He has become a regular for the national team, keeping a clean sheet on 4 occasions. Moreover, he is yet to lose a match with India. The aggressive 30-year-old is also a fine man marker who doesn’t give an inch to the opposition forwards.
Robert Lalthlamuana: The Tata Football Academy cadet will be playing for the club where he got his football education. The experienced defender played 9 matches in ATK’s title win in ISL 2016. The 29-year-old is good going forward and is a goal threat from the set pieces.
Midfielders
Holicharan Narzary: The speedy winger had a breakthrough ISL 2016 making 12 appearances. The 23-year-old had a good I-League campaign for DSK Shivajians scoring 4 goals.
His fine form means Narzary has also become a key member of the national team under Stephen Constantine on the wings. He will be one of NorthEast United FC's primary threats going forward.
Marcinho: The 31-year-old Marcinho became the first foreign signing for the club for the 2017-18 Indian Super League season. The Brazilian is not only capable of starting attacks but is also a fine finisher capable of finding the net. He has also impressed in pre-season making him a must pick for your fantasy teams.
Sameehg Doutie: The South African winger Sameehg Doutie is a player who has the ability to single-handedly win matches for his team. The former ATK winger possesses serious pace, dribbling ability and decent crossing, which he combines to a devastating effect. The former Ajax Cape Town player's creativity and vision can be highlighted by the fact that he has provided 14 assists so far, the most by any player in ISL.
Lalrindika Ralte: Lalrindika Ralte is one of India’s most talented attacking players with a devastating left foot, which he has used to score some stunning long-range goals. He played 13 matches for ATK in ISL 2016 in their run to the title.
Forwards
Kervens Belfort: Haitian Kervens Belfort impressed with his pace and creativity for Kerala Blasters in ISL 2016 and has been reunited with Steve Coppell this season. With Jamshedpur possessing a strong midfield, Belfort is likely to get many chances to get on the scoresheet.
Izu Azuka: Nigerian forward Izu Azuka is likely to get the nod to make his ISL debut. The 28-year-old has won 3 caps with Nigeria. Azuka is quick and also possesses good movement in the box. With all the attention on Belfort and Doutie, Azuka might profit.
Farukh Choudhury: Farukh Choudhury is the 3rd Jamshedpur player to complete our forward line-up. The 21-year-old played just 2 matches for Kerala Blasters in ISL 2016 but gained valuable experience. The youngster has been in fine form in preseason scoring 3 goals and is looking good for his debut goal in ISL.
