Pro Kabaddi 2019, Match 1: Telugu Titans v U Mumba| Match preview, predictions and telecast details - Who will win today's match?
The seventh edition of kabaddi's most anticipated league, Pro Kabaddi 2019 is all set to commence on 20th July as the hosts Telugu Titans will be squaring off against season 2 champions U Mumba in the opening fixture at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad.
With both teams heavily reliant on their defensive unit, a number of internal battles, most importantly the match-up between Siddharth Desai and Fazel Atrachali is certain to come to the fore. Post an incredible debut season with U Mumba, Desai will be turning out for the Telugu Titans and could be an 'X-factor' against a defence-heavy U Mumba outfit.
However, the raiding unit could be an achilees heel for U Mumba, with the likes of Rohit Baliyan, Abhishek Singh - secondary raiders for teams in the past - two of biggest names in the raiding unit for the Fazel Atrachali-led side.
The duo will come up against a formidable corner defense duo of Titans' newly appointed skipper Abozar Mighani and Vishal Bhardwaj, as the duo look to repeat their fine showing from the season 6 of the PKL when they combined to pick up 116 tackle points from the season.
Yet, with the addition of Sandeep Narwal to the squad, the burly all-rounder will be banked to chip in with some crucial raid points, if the lead raiders in the team do flop under pressure situations.
Predicted starting 7s
U Mumba: Fazel Atrachali (c), Sandeep Narwal, Surender Singh, Rajguru Subramaniam, Rohit Baliyan, Abhishek Singh, Dong Geon Lee.
Telugu Titans: Abozar Mighani (c), Farhad Milaghardan, Siddharth Desai, Suraj Desai, Vishal Bhardwaj, C Arun, Manish.
Match Prediction
With Siddharth Desai shifting sides to join the Telugu Titans, the Abozar Mighani-led side will start the game with three match-winners on their side in the form of Vishal Bhardwaj, Siddharth Desai and Abozar himself.
Undoubtedly, the encounter will certainly come down to the better defensive unit on the day but with the Titans coming into the contest with a little bit more experience on the offensive side, they could have a slight edge.
Telugu Titans could be expected to win this match.
Where and when to watch, live streaming details
Date: 20th July 2019
Start time: 7.30 PM IST.
Venue: Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad.
Live telecast: Star Sports Network
Live streaming: Hotstar
Live updates: Sportskeeda