Samaleswari SC vs Rajasthan United FC Preview: Predicted Lineups, Team News | IFL 2026-27
Both teams eye the first point of the IFL season in Rourkela
Indian Football League (IFL) action returns to the Steel City of Rourkela in Odisha as the Birsa Munda Athletic Stadium is set to host the third matchweek fixtures of the Indian Football League.
Both teams are yet to clinch a point in the second tier after facing consecutive defeats. The Odisha outfit are yet to clinch a point in its debut season. They have scored three goals in two games so far and have been knocking on the door of their first win.
On the other hand, the Desert Warriors have succumbed to two narrow defeats to Sreenidhi Deccan and Gokulam Kerala so far. Despite boasting quality players, the Rajasthan-based outfit are yet to find the back of the net in the first 180 minutes so far.
We can expect this to be a thrilling clash. Samaleswari will leave no stone unturned to make the most of their home advantage and get their first win of the season. On the other hand, Rajasthan will also give it their all to grab all three points and get their first win of the season.
The Stakes
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Samaleswari SC
The Sambalpur outfit were on the verge of a historic debut against Gokulam Kerala in God’s Own Country in the opening matchweek when they came back from a two-goal deficit to make it 2-2 after Rafi and Jorge Pereyra Diaz converted from the spot in the dying seconds of regulation time.
However, Crislan broke their heart in the 98th minute to win it 3-2 for the Malabarians. In the last game, they hosted Dempo SC for their first home game of the season in Raurkela.
Thousands of sports-loving enthusiasts from Raurkela and nearby regions gathered to cheer for their team, but Samaleswari went 2-1 down to Dempo.
Rajasthan United
Unlike Samaleswari, Rajasthan’s biggest concern has been scoring goals. The Desert Vipers are off to two consecutive defeats to Sreenidhi Deccan and Gokulam Kerala. Their defence has been their silver lining as they have conceded only two goals so far and have been resilient and firm in the back.
Giuseppe Cristaldi must act soon before it’s too late. Rajasthan will play their first away game of the season in Rourkela, and it is never easy playing Samaleswari in Odisha, but the Desert Warriors must leave no stone unturned to get back to winning ways as the race for the Championship Stage is heating up early on.
Team News
There is no news of any injury concerns from either side, and both coaches will have a fully fit and available side to pick their best eleven.
Novin Gurung picked up a red card against Gokulam last and will be absent for the next game.
Head-to-head record
Samaleswari and Rajasthan will lock horns with each other for the first time.
Predicted Lineup
Samaleswari predicted the XI (4-3-3)
Aaryan Anjaneya (GK); Kartik Choudhary, Shahid Nazir Wani, Jamal Arago, Basit Bhat; Amarjit Singh, Mohamed El Jaaouani; Roshan Panna, Jayesh Rane, Ishan Pandita; Jorge Pereyra Díaz
Rajasthan United Predicted XI (4-3-3)
Amrit Gope (GK); Pardeep Singh, Christopher Kamei, Adrián Castellano, Lalfelkima; Aniket Panchal, Ricky Vanlalhlriatsanga, Khongsai; Brijesh Giri, Diego Maurício, Judah Garcia
Player to watch out for
Kartik Choudhary (Samaleswari)
Choudhary scored a brilliant goal in the last game against Dempo, but it went in vain as Samaleswari suffered a 2-1 defeat to Dempo. He scored the first open goal for Samaleswari after a brilliant long-range shot found the back of the net.
He has previously honed his skills for Jamshedpur FC reserves and has now established himself as a regular starter. He also offers positional flexibility as he can play as a defensive midfielder and can also be deployed as a fullback.
Diego Mauricio (Rajasthan United)
It will be a nostalgic return for the Brazilian striker in the state of Odisha as he has previously scored a lot of goals in Odisha FC colours. At a time when Rajasthan United are struggling to find goals, Mauricio will be keen to go all guns blazing.
Samaleswari’s defence has been leaking goals, five goals in the last two games. His sheer physicality will be key as the Brazilian striker will look to score the first goal for the Desert Warriors in the new IFL season.
Telecast Details
Samaleswari are ready to lock horns against Rajasthan on Sunday, 15th November, 2026, from 18:30 IST at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela as both sides will aim for all three points.
The match and the rest of the IFL 2026-27 season will be broadcast live on DD Sports, with live streaming on Waves OTT.
When will Samaleswari SC vs Rajasthan United FC take place?
Samaleswari are ready to lock horns against Rajasthan on Sunday, 15th November, 2026, from 18:30 IST at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela, as both sides will aim for all three points.
When & where can I watch Samaleswari SC vs Rajasthan United?
Samaleswari SC vs Rajasthan United FC will be broadcast live on DD Sports, with live streaming on Waves OTT.
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