NorthEast to take on Blasters in ISL 3 opener

The 79-day tournament will feature 61 games played in a home-away league format followed by two-legged semi-finals and the final. The final is scheduled on December 18.

NorthEast United and Kerala Blasters will play the season opener for the third time in ISL.

NorthEast United FC will take on Kerala Blasters in the opening match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 3 in Guwahati on October 1.

The 79-day tournament will feature 61 games played in a home-away league format followed by two-legged semifinal and the final. The final is scheduled on December 18. The venue for the final will be announced later.

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It will be the third time that NorthEast United will play the season opener against the Kerala team, having won 1-0 in 2014 at home and losing 3-1 in Kochi.

Defending champion Chennaiyin FC will begin its campaign against Atletico de Kolkata in the latter's new home ground, Rabindra Sarobar stadium, before hosting Delhi Dynamos on October 6. It will face last season's runner-up, FC Goa, on October 13.

Mumbai City FC also has a new home ground: Mumbai Football Arena (Andheri Sports Complex). Mumbai City FC will play its first home match on October 7 against NorthEast United.