Reigning champions Bashundhara Kings start as favourites against newly promoted Uttar Baridhara in the inaugural match in Nilfamari as the 2019-20 Bangladesh Premier League kicks off at three separate venues today.
Former treble winners Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra are looking forward to a winning start when they host Brothers Union at their home ground in Sylhet but the lone match in the capital between three-time winners Sheikh Jamal DC and Chattogram Abahani is expected to offer most competitive actions.
The 12th edition of the league features record seven venues across the country. Saif Sporting Club hosts Federation Cup surprise Rahmatganj on Friday at Mymensingh, Muktijoddha SKC and Chattogram Abahani host Sheikh Jamal and Arambagh in Gopalganj and Chattogram respectively on Tuesday.
Cumilla city has to wait a little bit longer to make debut in the top-flight league until March 7 when the hosts Mohammedan face Bashundhara in the fifth round tie. The six-time champions Abahani will begin their campaign against newcomer Police FC on Sunday after returning from Maldives following the AFC Cup pre-qualifying play-off.
Kings lack offensive options
Bashundhara vs Uttar Baridhara, Sheikh Kamal Stadium, Nilfamari, 3.15pm
Having midfielders Masuk Mia Jony and Atiqur Rahman Fahad ruled out for long time for surgery, Bashundhara’s Spanish coach Oscar Bruzon will be missing other national attacking duo Matin Mia and Biplu Ahmed due to injury against Baridhara.
Lebanese striker Jalal Kdouh was released by the club while Argentine striker Hernan Barcos is illegible for first phase and on such occasion it would not be surprising to see World Cupper Daniel Colindres start as center-forward, the position where the Costa Rican winger shone well in the semifinal and final of the Federation Cup. Mahbubur Rahman Sufil is also in contention to start up front.
Both the sides are now staying in Syedpur from where Baridhara head coach Alfaz Ahmed informed that they are also missing Brazilian striker Leonardo Lima in the first match for the late arrival due to visa complicacy and Gambian midfielder Landing Darboe is likely to start as striker.
Before making his top-flight debut as head coach, Alfaz, the former national striker said, “Bashundhara have world-class players, they are the best team and we also took our preparation accordingly. We know we are underdogs but our target is to fetch at least one point.”
Alison returns, Herd may wait for debut
Sheikh Russel vs Brothers Union, Sylhet District Stadium, 6.30pm
Sheikh Russel’s star signing Christ Herd may have to wait for a little bit longer to make starting appearance but Saiful Bari Titu informed that the English Premier League side Aston Villa’s former midfielder is available for selection against Brothers Union.
Herd, who has been without any game since leaving Chennaiyin FC in July last year, is yet to regain full match fitness despite playing a couple of practice matches as center-back when Alison Udoka was out injured but the Nigerian defender recovered in time.
“Herd can also play as defensive midfielder but we have not yet decided if he will start because he is not fully fit. We have Galib [who played Federation Cup] in the same midfield position,” said Russel’s head coach Saiful Bari Titu yesterday.
Alongside having top scorer Raphael Odoyin, Russel had the best defensive record last season but their two national defenders Yeasin Khan and Bishwanath Ghosh and forward Biplu left for Bashundhara. Titu is hopeful of the replacements in Asaduzzaman Bablu and Habibur Rahman while Md Abdullah also returned from injury to replace Biplu.
Brothers, who narrowly saved the relegation last season, will be guided by their new Iranian coach Reza Parkas who took the charge of Gopibagh outfits after the Federation Cup.
Maruful against Manik in Dhaka
Sheikh Jamal vs Chattogram Abahani, Bangabandhu National Stadium, 6.30pm
Despite being placed at eighth last edition, Chattogram Abahani are dreaming big under the guidance of Maruful Haque who has two new national rookies Manik Hossain Mollah and Rakib Hossain to back the foreign attackers comprising Chinedu Mathew, Didier Brossou and Nixon Guylherme.
“We can dream the title on the basis of our preparation. It's possible and we will fight with what we have. I don’t think there is much difference among the local players. Now it's time for the players to show their worth on the pitch.” said Maruful who will be facing another former national coach Shafiqul Islam Manik.
“It took too much time in the pre-season camp without any competitive game which is a hurdle for the club,” said Jamal’s head coach Manik, before adding, “Chattogram Abahani are favourites on papers as they have good foreign recruits. We are also better than last season. It is very important to start with a win.”
