Treble winners Bashundhara Kings are well ahead in contention to win the top-flight title for a sixth consecutive time as Bangladesh Premier League 2024-25 kicks off at three venues Friday.
Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited, who finished second to the Kings in the league and Federation Cup last season, take on newly promoted Dhaka Wanderers in Gazipur while Brothers Union and Bangladesh Police FC face off in Munshiganj in the inaugural matches.
Kings host financially struggling Chittagong Abahani Ltd later in the evening clash of the day.
The two main competitors of the Kings, Abahani Ltd and Mohammedan start with weaker squads than last season which increased the holders' chances of retaining the trophy.
Kings may not have Robson Robinho but they got Miguel Ferreira and majority of Bangladesh national team players in their squad.
Abahani's office was vandalized on August 5 after the fall of the previous government and they ended up without any foreign recruits while midfielder Jamal Bhuiyan was released.
Abahani have never been weaker like this before.
Mohammedan's coach Alfaz Ahmed presented their situation to Dhaka Tribune.
"We have seen four important players from last season leave the club," said Alfaz before adding their goal: "We are not in a situation to be champions. We can just give it a try."
Two former champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club Ltd and Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra withdrew from the season earlier.
This time, there will be five venues for the league including Comilla and Mymensingh.
Only Kings will play at their own home venue while the rest will be travelling hosts.
