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The Amateur League Division 2 is back, after a successful edition in Season 2. The previous season ended with Supernova FC being crowned champions. Second-placed Parikrma joined Supernova FC as teams promoted to Division 1 while Grasshoppers faced the drop from Division 1.
We also have a host of new teams- Al-Fateh, FC Bengal, FC Kudlu, FC Sparta Bengaluru, FC Lawless, Joras and Titans FC all playing their debut seasons. This will by no means be a first experience for the players though, as the teams are made up of players who have played in TAL before.
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Athlos United FC, FC Brunton, Netbusters and Diablos all return to make a renewed bid for the title. With the promotion spots extended to the top three places and the league now consisting of 12 teams, the competition is only expected to get stiffer. The teams look more determined and we should be in for a season filled with tight matches that are tough to call.
8:30 AM – Titans FC v FCB Sparta
We kick off the new season with the game between Titans FC and FC Sparta Bengaluru. Both are new teams and will probably take the cautious route to judge each other initially before hitting top gear. Titans have a number of players who have played in the past two seasons with different teams of the TAL and that should come in handy. FC Sparta seem to be a bunch who have played together a lot and will face no trouble gelling together. This should be a tight game if the best XI of both sides turn up.
Prediction: Titans FC 2 - 2 FC Sparta Bengaluru
10:00 AM – Grasshoppers FC v FC Lawless
The 10 AM kickoff sees Grasshoppers FC, the team that took the drop from Division 1 take on new entrants FC Lawless. Grasshoppers FC have strengthened their squad and will be looking for promotion right from the start. FC Lawless remain an unknown entity as a team but do contain a few familiar faces. This may not be a straightforward game for either team, but Grasshoppers should edge this one.
Prediction: Grasshoppers FC 2 - 1 FC Lawless
11:30 AM – Al-Fateh v FC Bengal
The game between bookies favourites Al-Fateh and contenders FC Bengal is up next. These are well-established teams outside of TAL too and this is not the first time they are facing each other. Al-Fateh will still have the edge in this one, but FC Bengal will be looking to let other teams know of their intentions and give Al-Fateh a run for their money.
Prediction: Al-Fateh 4 - 3 FC Bengal
1:15 PM – FC Kudlu v Joras
The post-lunch session begins with the intriguing game between Joras and FC Kudlu. Joras have assembled a strong squad with a lot of experience and returning players. FC Kudlu, not to be left behind, seem to have a potentially lethal striking force capable of turning their team into title challengers. What remains to be seen though is how everything on paper translates to on game day.
Prediction: FC Kudlu 1-1 Joras
2:45 PM – Diablos FC v Athlos United FC
The last time these two teams clashed, it ended in a thrilling 5-2 win for Diablos. Athlos will look to avenge that defeat when they come out this season. Both teams have lost a few key players and this would be a good yardstick to judge how they have coped with those losses in personnel. This is another tough game to call with Athlos having the potential to get one over their rivals.
Prediction: Diablos FC 2-2 Athlos United FC
4:15 PM – Netbusters FC v FC Brunton
We started Division 2 last season with this same fixture and Gameweek 1 ends with the clash between Netbusters and Brunton. Netbusters won the coveted Emerging Team of the Season award whereas Brunton flattered to deceive. These are evenly matched teams though and we can expect a feisty end to our day as we wrap up proceedings on the first day of the new season.
Prediction: Netbusters FC 2-1 FC Brunton
