The Indian Super League gets underway in just a matter of weeks, with North East United taking on Jamshedpur on the opening weekend of the season. Having finished in a disappointing mid-table position last time around, the home side will be looking to get their campaign off to a winning start when they take on the newly established Jamshedpur.
Indian Super League – Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati – Saturday 18th November – 15:30 UK Time
Match Preview
Former Manchester United midfielder Steve Coppell takes charge of his first game for the newly founded Jamshedpur team, with a trip to NorthEast United offering the opportunity to make a winning start to the season. However, with the home side having constructed a playing squad full of talent from around the world, it could well be a tough start to life in the Indian Super League for both teams. There are a variety of appealing betting markets surrounding this match, with betting on Indian football becoming increasingly popular. For those looking to take advantage of such markets, be sure to check out our top tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams.
NorthEast United Team News & Form
Having missed out on the season-ending finals in India last season, Portuguese manager João de Deus is under pressure to deliver for NorthEast United. However, with the likes of Danilo, Odair Fortes and Luis Paez in attach, they are a team always capable of scoring goals. Elsewhere, Brazilian midfield duo Marcinho and Adilson Goiano will be hoping to provide the chances for such attacking talent, with the duo having both joined the club over the summer. NorthEast United finished last season strongly with two wins in the closing two weeks, with fans at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium undoubtedly hoping for a continuation of such results.
Jamshedpur Team News & Form
Steve Coppell has taken over as manager of the newly formed Jamshedpur, with his side having joined the Indian Super League for this year. As a result, little is expected of them, however with heavy investment in player recruitment, they could well surprise many over the coming months. Former Reading defender Andre Bikey is among the star names for the visitors, along with forwards Kervens Belfort and Sammehg Doutie, who will be charged with finding the goals to make their side competitive throughout the season.
Head to Head
As a result of Jamshedpur being a completely new team, the two clubs have never previously met in any form of fixture. As a result, no conclusions can be made in this area when looking to research betting markets surrounding the encounter.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their status as the home team this weekend and their experience within the league, it comes as little surprise that it is NorthEast United who are the firm favourites for victory with many online bookmakers. The home side can be backed at best odds of 1/2 at William Hill, while an opening weekend victory for Steve Coppell’s side on the road can be found at 3/1 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on the NorthEast Unted or Draw market at Ladbrokes, which can be backed at odds of 1/6.