Bengaluru FC vs SC Delhi Preview - Team news, lineups | ISL 2026-27
The Blues are all set to host Sporting Club Delhi in the first fixture of the Indian Super League 2026-27 Season
Bengaluru FC are all set to open the 2026-27 Indian Super League campaign when they host SC Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday, October 10. The opening fixture is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 PM IST, with both sides looking to begin their new campaign on a winning note.
The fixture will also mark the beginning of Pep Muñoz’s first full season in charge of Bengaluru FC. Having taken over during the previous campaign, the Spanish head coach now has the opportunity to implement his ideas from the outset and build a team in his own image.
The season opener, therefore, will offer an early glimpse of what Bengaluru can produce under Muñoz with a full campaign ahead of them.
The Stakes
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
Bengaluru FC
For Bengaluru FC, this is about much more than simply securing three points on the opening day. The Blues enter the new campaign with a squad that combines considerable experience with promising young talent. Ryan Williams, Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam and Nikhil Poojary bring years of experience at the highest level, while the additions of Menno Koch and Borja Martinez add further quality to the squad.
At the other end of the spectrum, youngsters such as Kevin Singh, Soham Varshneya and Vinith Venkatesh will be looking to establish themselves and make their mark.
That combination gives Bengaluru plenty of depth, but it also brings heightened expectations. After finishing fourth last season, the Blues will want to push further up the table and establish themselves as genuine contenders. For Pep Muñoz, this is his first full season in charge, making the campaign an important test of his ability to build a consistent side around his ideas.
A strong start at The Kanteerava would not only put three points on the board, but also signal that Bengaluru are ready to take the next step.
Also Read: ‘Nobody is unbeatable’ – Sporting Club Delhi coach Tomasz Tchórz ahead of ISL 2026-27 season
Sporting Club Delhi
For SC Delhi, the opening fixture represents a very different challenge. Unlike Bengaluru, they are still in the process of establishing their identity in the ISL. Their debut campaign fell short of expectations, and the new season brings an opportunity to leave that disappointment behind and show that they can compete consistently at this level.
Their encouraging Durand Cup campaign has provided reason for optimism, but the ISL presents a different test, with consistency over a long league season ultimately determining their success. Starting against an experienced Bengaluru side at Kanteerava will therefore be an immediate examination of their progress.
A positive result would give SC Delhi more than just an early boost in the standings, but it would announce that they are no longer simply trying to find their feet in the ISL, but are ready to make their presence felt.
Team News and Injury updates
Both Bengaluru FC and SC Delhi head into the opening fixture with fully fit squads, giving both coaches a clean slate to work with.
With no major injury concerns on either side, Pep Muñoz and Tomasz Tchórz will have the luxury of selecting from their strongest available groups as they look to begin the new ISL campaign on a positive note.
Head-to-head records
Matches played: 14
Bengaluru FC wins: 5
SC Delhi wins: 4
Draws: 5
Predicted line-ups
Bengaluru FC (4-2-3-1)
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Menno Koch,Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Naorem Roshan Singh; Suresh Singh Wangjam, Lalremtluanga Fanai; Ryan Williams, Manuel Irionda, Ashique Kuruniyan; Borja Martinez
SC Delhi (4-4-2)
Nora Fernandes (GK), Duvan Viáfara, Ashutosh Mehta, Manoj Md, Lamgoulen Gogou Hangshing, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Juan Pena, Mohammed Azhar, Tomba Singh, Md. Aimen, and Rodriguinho.
Players to watch out
Menno Koch (Bengaluru FC)
Menno Koch could be one of the most important additions to Bengaluru FC’s defensive unit this season. The experienced Dutch centre-back arrives with a wealth of experience and has already earned the trust of the dressing room, being named the club’s fourth-choice captain. That responsibility underlines the leadership qualities he brings alongside his defensive ability.
With Rahul Bheke no longer part of the Bengaluru setup, Koch has an opportunity to fill the void left by one of the team’s most experienced defenders and become a reliable presence at the heart of the defence.
His experience can be particularly important in a squad that also includes several young players looking to establish themselves. From organising the defensive line to dealing with pressure during difficult phases of a game, Koch can provide the composure and authority Bengaluru need at the back.
Against an SC Delhi side that possesses attacking players capable of creating something out of nothing, Koch’s ability to read the game and lead from behind could be crucial. If Bengaluru are to build a strong defensive foundation under Pep Muñoz, Koch could play a central role in it.
Rodriguinho (SC Delhi)
Photo by Shubhajit Roy Karmakar/Durand Cup
At the other end of the pitch, Rodriguinho will be one of SC Delhi’s most exciting players to watch. The Brazilian has already demonstrated that he possesses the kind of attacking quality that can turn a game on its head. His remarkable five-goal performance in a single game highlighted his finishing ability, while his performances in the Durand Cup provided further evidence of his importance to SC Delhi’s attack.
Rodriguinho offers more than just goals. His ability to create chances, take on defenders and use his individual skills in the final third gives SC Delhi a genuine attacking outlet against a Bengaluru defence that will be keen to start the season strongly.
He can create opportunities for himself as well as bring teammates into dangerous positions, making him difficult to contain when he is allowed space to operate.
His performances in the Durand Cup will also give SC Delhi plenty of confidence heading into the ISL opener. The challenge now is to reproduce that impact against a more experienced Bengaluru side and over the longer league campaign. If Rodriguinho can carry his cup form into the ISL, he could emerge as one of SC Delhi’s key attacking figures this season.
Did you know?
- SC Delhi have scored 21 goals in their last 5 matches
- Rodriguinho had scored 5 goals in his debut game against Defenders FC in the Durand Cup
- Ryan Williams has one goal and one assist to his name in the last 3 international friendlies
Telecast Details
The Bengaluru FC vs SC Delhi clash will be available to watch live on Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV and YouTube. The entire 2026-27 ISL season will be streamed live and free on YouTube, while SonyLIV will carry all 163 matches in India.
Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV will also provide commentary in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Bengali with Malayalam coverage for Kerala Blasters matches, Tamil for Chennaiyin FC games, and Bengali for East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant fixtures.
YouTube, meanwhile, will offer the matches in English and Hindi.
When will Bengaluru FC face Sporting Club Delhi in ISL 2026-27?
Bengaluru FC will host Sporting Club Delhi on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The match will kick off at 5:00 PM IST.
Where can fans watch Bengaluru FC vs Sporting Club Delhi live?
Fans can watch the ISL 2026-27 season opener live on Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV and YouTube in India.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.