And TAL is back! Season 4 kicks off on November 5th at FSV Arena as the Division 2 teams take to the pitch! With three spots up for promotion (and likewise for relegation) this season, we expect this to be the best season yet.
The new venue for the games is world class facility boasting training pitches as well as a main one and FIFA certified turf should provide team’s a smooth experience.
8:00 AM – Athlos United v C2FC
The opening game of the season is a blockbuster one with Cup semi-finalists Athlos United taking on new entrants C2FC. Athlos have considerably improved from last season and are contenders for the title. Their defence is as reliable as ever but new blood in the attacking front is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Although C2FC will be making their debut in TAL, they are a reputed team that plays in the BDFA C Division. We expect C2FC to be at the top of the table, competing for one of three promotion spots, come end of the season.
Players to watch: Anurag Negi (Athlos United)
Yeshwanth Mekala (C2FC)
Crystal Ball: Athlos United (1) – (1) C2FC
9:30 AM – Emdee Al-Fateh v FC Kudlu
The second game of the day should a high-energy game with title favourites Al-Fateh taking on FC Kudlu. Al-Fateh had a great season last time around but with the new additions made over the off-season, they look extremely dangerous as shown by their performance in the cup when they reached the final and lost on penalties to Horizons FC.
Kudlu have reinvented themselves and impressively too, we must say; they now posses that oomph factor in their squad and play. We expect this to be a close game but Al-Fateh might just have the edge here.
Players to watch: Jonathan Piers (Emdee Al-Fateh)
Oumar Balde (FC Kudlu)
Crystal Ball: Emdee Al-Fateh (3) – (2) FC Kudlu
11:00 AM – FC Sparta v FC Brunton
Sparta and Brunton take on each other next in what should be a replay of their group stage game in the cup. Brunton surprised many when they emerged from their group as the winners but credit must be given where it is due; they have added some attacking quality to the side and their defence has been efficient.
Sparta were decent in both the cup games and friendlies but will have to bring their a game from day one if they are to achieve their goals of promotion this season.
Players to watch
Benjamin George (FC Sparta)
Gautam Rego (FC Brunton)
Crystal Ball: FC Sparta (1) – (1) FC Brunton
12:30 PM – BFE United v Garden Boys FC
Two new teams take on each other in the midday kick-off when BFE United and Garden Boys FC make their TAL debuts. Both teams have players who have played in the league before, in addition, they also played in the cup, which should have given them a glimpse of the competition.
Both teams have quality in their side but how quickly they adapt to the big pitch might determine their position in the table.
Players to watch
Praney Thapa (BFE United)
Saanand Warrier (Garden Boys FC)
Crystal Ball: BFE United (2) – (2) Garden Boys FC
2:15 PM – Titans FC v Rebels FC
The final game of the day features Titans FC and Rebels FC. Titans came really close to promotion when they finished third last season but fell to Samba FC in the playoff game. They will be looking to make amends this time but it might be tough because they have lost some key players as well as the fact that the division has gotten a lot stronger.
Rebels FC featured in the inaugural season of TAL and have now retuned albeit a completely changed squad. However, they have a strong squad this time around and should make some noise with their high pressing play.
Players to watch
Anirudh Krishnadas (Titans FC)
Nikhil Pande (Rebels FC)
Crystal Ball: Titans FC (1) – (1) Rebels FC
Nov 6 (5:00 PM) – Mercurial FC v Diablos FC
Mercurial FC will take Diablos FC in the final game of the opening week for Division 2. Mercurial FC have plied their trade in Division 1 for three seasons before they faced the drop and will be looking to get back to the top division in their first attempt.
Perennial promotion favourites Diablos FC will once again mount a challenge as they look to finish in the top three. On both their previous occasions they have fallen just short of their target and will be looking to set things right this time around. Both teams have new faces in their squad and this should help in putting past demons aside.
Players to watch
Naren Elango (Mercurial FC)
Siddharth TC (Diablos FC)
Crystal Ball: Mercurial FC (1) – (2) Diablos FC
