I LEAGUE CHAMPIONs VS ISL SEMI-FINALISTS!

Possibly the future rivalry between ATKMB and GOKULAM FC will be there in present.

As blth teams will face each other on the match day 1 of the AFC CUP campaign.

This will be mouth watering match and also the test of superiority and quality.

The claim of each club will be tested on the field and off the field too.

I LEAGUE VS ISL DEBATE! 

The conflicts between the two leagues, the supporters, and journalists are always there.

Everyone has their say but only the performances can give the real picture.

The complex situation where the winner of every league identifies themselves as the champion of India.

The test will be there in coming 3 matchdays.

I league clubs and the break at the international level.

Being away from the AFC competitions, this will be the first assignment of any I league in the AFC cup.

The performance here would suffice the opportunity given and also justify the spot reserved fof the I league.

Gokulam would try to use it as an experience for the future endeavours.

POINTS AT STAKE

Even if less to gain, the clubs are vital for the survival of the continental dreams of the country.

With these points guaranteeing the cycle of continuous representation.

Mumbai City FC have done it's job, now these two clubs have to add up every point they can.

BATTLES TO LOOK OUT FOR !

Who comes out on the top between Luka Majcen and David Williams.

Having started his AFC journey on fire, David is looking to add more to it.

While Luka was the main patron in helping Gokulam Kerala, retain the tital.

Which is the first time for a club in I League.

Tiri vs Aminou, Both are important players for their teams.

Will have alot of work to do to keep their sides on advantage.

The performances will vital to get maximum points as 3 match tournament doesn't give much opportunities.

Sharif  vs Boumus

Both are different players but the responsibility on the shoulders of Sharif would be high to stop Hugo from creating anything.

Everyone knows the quality he has, and can harm within minutes badly.

While hugo will try to maximize the opportunities.

Abdul Hakku vs Liston

Both individuals will be there in a fight to establish themselves.

Having being part of the Individual battles, it will be very interesting to see who wins the battle, Liston with hid fast runs or Hakku with his shielding power.

Manvir vs Uvais 

Manvir will be looking to repeat its performance of he last AFC CUP.

While Uvais will have big task to hold Manvir from the right channel.

It will intersting to see how the pace is used to cause the problems by Manvir.

Battle between the coaches!

Both the coaches will try to get best of their players and win this important tie.

Both are aware of the situation and it will be a uphill task.

Any mistake and punishment is very high.

The mid season movement of Juan will add pressure on him.

Also the previous outing was not great for the club, his job is to correct that.

Losing first match will hamper that whole process.

Other players to watch out for !

Kiyan Nassiri !

He stormed in to the limelight with a hat-trick in the ISL.

Impressing everyone in every outing he had after that.

He is certainly the one to watch out in this build-up of the AFC cup.

Alex Saji 

Part of the final match and was important player for the team.

He is someone who will be making his presence felt and will surely to watch out for during the crucial moments of the match.

Overall, the match will be of high stakes, given the firepower ATKMB has and the winning run Gokulam is on, it is going to brilliant match.

Only after the whistle we can assess the results but now the wait of the match is there.

As it starts during the day heat at 4:30 PM IST.