ISL Fantasy 2017: Tips for Kerala Blasters vs ATK

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Iain Hume faces his former side ATK in the season opener

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The ISL 2017 has arrived and so has the ISL Fantasy game, which allows fans to participate and win prizes. The first match of the new season sees a rematch of the Season 3 final between the Kerala Blasters and ATK.

In this article, we create a team which has the best chance of scoring the most points in today's game. Kerala had a fantastic home form in the last ISL and due to the injuries suffered by ATK, we are banking on Kerala to keep a clean sheet.

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Goalkeeper

Paul Rachubka: The former Manchester United goalkeeper is expected the get the nod over veteran Sandip Nandy. The English keeper’s experience and ability to guide the defence will come in handy for the Blasters defence. The onus will be on him to start well and continue Kerala’s excellent home form from the last season.

Defenders

Sandesh Jhingan: The emerging player of ISL 2014 was the mainstay of Kerala’s defence that played a big role in their run to the finals of ISL 2016. The no-nonsense centre-back is also a threat in the opposition box due to his aerial prowess. The 24-year-old has scored four goals for the national team in just 16 appearances, also highlighting his goal-scoring ability.

Prabir Das: Prabis Das was retained by ATK ahead of some known players highlighting the team managements faith in him. The 23-year-old right back is a solid defender and has excellent crossing abilities. With big strikers Robin Singh and Njazi Kuqi expected to start, Das’ crossing might make the difference for ATK.

Rino Anto: The Thrissur-born right back made just three appearances for the Yellow Army in ISL 2016 due to his late arrival from AFC Cup duties and Kerala’s settled backline. The 29-year-old Anto is good going forward plus his low, accurate crosses are a threat to any defences. With Berbatov and ISL top scorer Hume in the team's ranks, Anto can surely get you points from assists.

Midfielders

C.K Vineeth: Given C.K Vineeth’s exploits last season, he just cannot be ignored. The 29-year-old scored five goals last season, which was the most by an Indian in ISL 2016, helping Kerala reach the final. Moreover, he is deadlier at home highlighted by the fact that four of his five goals last season came at home. With Berbatov and Hume besides him, Vineeth is likely to be more potent threat this time around.

Eugeneson Lyngdoh: Eugeneson Lyngdoh is one of India’s best midfielders, blessed with an ability to play defence-splitting passes, accurate delivery and an eye for goal. Lyngdoh has the ability to create something from nothing and the experienced midfielder is a must-pick for your fantasy teams.

Courage Pekuson: The 22-year-old Ghanian winger is one of the youngest foreign players to play in the ISL. The winger has a taste of high-level football having played FC Koper in Slovenia, where he also received Player of the Week honours. Pekuson has been among the goals in pre-season and it won’t be a surprise if he continues his form in the ISL.

Conor Thomas: The 23-year-old Englishman is likely to start in midfield alongside Eugeneson Lyngdoh. The former Coventry City is a set piece threat with his aerial ability and can also pick out a pass. He will be important in both the attacking and defensive departments for ATK.

Forwards

Iain Hume: The top scorer of the ISL with 25 goals just has to be on your fantasy team. The Canadian striker has rejoined the Kerala Blasters after playing for the Yellow Army in ISL 2014 and is playing against his former team ATK and hence will have extra motivation for the clash. With Berbatov to feed him, the tireless forward is sure to get many chances to get on the scoresheet.

Dimitar Berbatov: The former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur forward needs no introduction. The man with one of the best touches in football might be ageing and might not in the best condition physically, but he still possesses the silky touch, vision and finishing to make the difference.

Robin Singh: The physical striker endured a disappointing last season with FC Goa but is reunited with Ashley Westwood who got the best out of him in Bengaluru F.C. ATK with their English setup are likely to play to the 27-year-old’s strengths. Robin is strong in the air and with Keane missing for the first three matches he is likely to lead the line and shoulder the goal-scoring burden.

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