I-League: Round 1 Preview - Controversies overshadow the start of new season

Here’s Sportskeeda’s exclusive interview with Bengaluru FC’s star players Sunil Chhetri and John Johnson, CEO Mustafa Ghouse and Head Coach Ashley Westwood:

The Mohammedan Sporting-Pune clash and United Sports Club vs Rangdajied United also has historical significance, but one gets the feeling that the freshness of Bengaluru FC and the history and tradition of Mohun Bagan makes for a highly interesting match up.

A sea of blue and red awaits Mohun Bagan with a keen interest from the entire Indian football fraternity as to how Bengaluru FC fares as hosts both on and off the field.

There is also the subplot surrounding the India captain and superstar Sunil Chhetri. He will be up against his first top flight club, Mohun Bagan while appearing for his seventh and current I-League side Bengaluru FC.

Players to watch out for

Foreigner: Ranti Martins (United Sports Club)

Will the Nigerian be the top scorer for a fourth consecutive season?

The top-scorer of the last three I-League seasons has shown another side of his personality by remaining with United SC, who are in a financial mess and without a sponsor.

The Nigerian is still far from full fitness but with 87 goals in the last three campaigns, one wouldn’t bet against him from scoring in the opening round against newly promoted Rangdajied United.

Indian: Clifford Miranda (Dempo)

Clifford (in blue) remains one of the best wide midfielders of the league

The left-footed wide midfielder’s absence was felt by Indian national team during the SAFF Championship as his goals from midfield were badly missed.

Now into his 14th consecutive season at Dempo, Clifford has to both perform himself and guide the youngsters. Clifford, who recently won the prestigious Dilip Sardesai award, could vent out the frustration of missing out on SAFF 2013 due to injury by being at his creative best against Shillong Lajong.