The Indian Super League (ISL) is just around the corner, and with it comes the ISL Fantasy. Twelve teams will feature in the opening matchweek of the new season, with Hyderabad FC sitting out.

To create your ISL Fantasy team, click here: https://bit.ly/ISL_Fantasy

Excitement for the fantasy game has been steadily growing since the game was released last week. Managers have likely built and rebuilt their squads countless times already, aiming to build the perfect draft to reduce the need for excessive transfers later on. Naturally, there will be more permutations and combinations as we approach the Matchweek 1 deadline.

Also Read: What's new in ISL Fantasy 2024-25

To ease the task for managers, we’ve handpicked the best possible starting XI for ISL Fantasy Matchweek 1.

Goalkeepers

Amrinder Singh (5.0 Cr)

Odisha FC will host Chennaiyin FC in their opening fixture, just as they did last season when they secured a 2-0 victory. The Kalinga Warriors remained unbeaten at home throughout the previous season, keeping four clean sheets. With four of their first five matches being at home, Singh could be a solid pick as the starting goalkeeper for fantasy managers in the early phase of the season.

Bhaskar Roy (4.0 Cr)

Managers can also opt for a 4.0 Cr goalkeeper to balance the budget if there are no plans to use the bench boost early in the season.

Defenders

Amey Ranawade (6.5 Cr)

Priced at 6.5 Cr, Ranawade could be the premium defender to start the season with. The right-back was the highest-scoring defender last season and is expected to continue delivering strong performances at both ends of the pitch. He registered six assists and a goal last season, with his first assist coming in the opening match against Chennaiyin FC.

Mark Zothanpuia (4.5 Cr)

Zothanpuia, a consistent starter for the Red and Gold Brigade so far, has demonstrated his value with promising performances. His ability to provide width, make overlapping runs, and deliver crosses makes him a great option at this price, with potential returns at both ends of the field.

Aibanbha Dohling (4.5 Cr)

Dohling is another defender to consider for Matchweek 1. After being sidelined for most of last season due to injury, he has returned in form, showing solid performances in the Durand Cup. With the Blasters playing at home, they will be eager to secure a clean sheet in their opening game.

Bikash Yumnam (4.0 Cr)

Both Bikash Yumnam and Buanthanglun Samte were regulars in their teams' starting line-ups last season and could be strong picks for their respective coaches.

Buanthanglun Samte (4.0 Cr)

At 4.0 Cr, these players offer excellent value from the bench and could be called upon if any of the starting XI players are unavailable.

Midfielders

Jithin MS (7.0 Cr)

Jithin MS delivered a stellar performance during the Durand Cup, scoring four goals and providing three assists. His contributions were pivotal in securing his team's first-ever trophy, and he was named Player of the Tournament. As he faces the newly-promoted Mohammedan SC, Jithin will be looking to pick up right where he left off.

Hugo Boumous (8.5 Cr)

Boumous, the French playmaker, is the third Odisha FC player to be considered for Matchweek 1. Rejoining former head coach Lobera, Boumous has a point to prove after spending much of last season on the sidelines. He impressed during pre-season and was a key scorer in both the semi-final and final of the Durand Cup. Expect him to make a strong start in the ISL.

Noah Sadaoui (11.5 Cr) - Vice Captain

Sadaoui has been Kerala Blasters FC’s standout attacking player in the Durand Cup, known for his relentless work rate, pressing, and shot accuracy. The Moroccan forward scored two hat-tricks and won the Golden Boot in the Durand Cup. With Captain Adrian Luna out for the opening fixture, Sadaoui will play a crucial role in creating opportunities for his team.

Boris Singh (6.0 Cr)

Priced at 6.0 Cr, Boris Singh offers great value for the opening fixture. Under Manolo Marquez, Singh has been deployed as an advanced winger and will continue in that role as the Gaurs face Jamshedpur FC.

Jitendra Singh (4.5 Cr)

Jitendra Singh is also a promising option among the 4.5 Cr midfielders this season. He could be a reliable pick for those crucial appearance points when needed.

Forwards

Dimitrios Diamantakos (12.0 Cr)

Diamantakos has established himself as one of the league’s premier goalscorers since his arrival two years ago. Now with East Bengal FC, the Greek forward will be determined to continue his prolific scoring run. In their opening fixture away at Bengaluru FC, Diamantakos will be looking to make an immediate impact and justify his significant price tag.

Armando Sadiku (8.5 Cr) - Captain

Armando Sadiku is poised to be a top pick for many fantasy managers. The Albanian forward enjoyed a stellar pre-season with his new team and will be eager to extend that form into the opening game against Jamshedpur FC, a team he has a strong track record against. Having scored in both fixtures against Jamshedpur last season, Sadiku is our prime candidate for the captain’s armband.

Jason Cummings (9.5 Cr)

Jason Cummings is expected to feature prominently against Mumbai City FC, especially since forward Jamie Maclaren has yet to make his debut for his new club. Matches between Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC have always been high-scoring affairs, and Cummings, who scored in all three encounters with Mumbai City last season, could very well find the back of the net again on opening day.