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India's most popular football tournament, the Indian Super League, is all set to kick-start its latest installment on November 17th. With the number of participants increased to 10 this season, the tournament will witness a more intense battle for the title.
Two-time runners-up Kerala Blasters spent some big money this time out and are the odds-on favourites to land the title. With the legendary Alex Ferguson's ex-assistant Rene Meulensteen at the helm, the club have brought in some big names in the foreign market as well as a few top Indian stars.
Here, we look at the probable line-ups of Kerala Blasters under Meulensteen next season.
3-4-3 Formation
Kerala Blasters may deploy a 3-4-3 formation considering the players they have in their ranks. Although it is the least preferred of the three possible setups, it promises to make the team firm and aggressive at the same time.
In this formation, Subhasish Roy Chowdhury is likely to guard the goal, while foreign recruits Wes Brown and Nemanja Lakic-Pesic will partner versatile Indian defender Sandesh Jhingan in central defence.
Heading into the midfield, a dynamic combination of three Indians and a foreigner could serve the Blasters well. While Milan Singh and Siam Hanghal take stock of breaking play and recycling the ball, the individual prowess of Jackichand Singh and Ghanaian Courage Pekuson along the sides could make this midfield one to watch.
In attack, the three-pronged threat of CK Vineeth, Iain Hume and Dimitar Berbatov should be enough for the Blasters to win most games. The combination of Vineeth's pace, Hume's tenacity, and Berbatov's guile is a dream prospect for any ISL side, not least Kerala Blasters.
5-3-2 Formation
The 5-3-2 formation provides Kerala Blasters with adequate defensive shield and high potential to attack.
While the pair of hands to guard the defense will be Roy Chowdhury, Kerala Blasters are expected to deploy Jhingan, Brown, and Lakic-Pesic effectively at the centre of the defense. In wide defence, the Blasters may go with Rino Anto and the talented Lalruatthara at right back and left back respectively.
In midfield, Milan could be left to play a more defensive role while Vineeth and Pekuson - two attack-minded players - could stretch the play wide and provide service to the two men up top - Hume and Berbatov.
The tireless Hume could be the perfect partner for someone like Berbatov, whose vision is exemplary and this 5-3-2 shape could be a recipe for disaster for Kerala Blasters' opponents next season.
5-4-1 Formation
The most adaptive setup for this Kerala Blasters squad could be the 5-4-1, which could help mask some of their deficiencies in central midfield.
Like the previously mentioned setups, this strategy may also feature the likes of Roy Chowdhury as the custodian, and Brown, Jhingan, and Lakic-Pesic to deal with opposition attacks.
In both the defensive flanks, the services of Anto and Lalruatthara may be retained. In midfield, however, Meulensteen may opt for different tactics. In this particular structure, Pekuson could play in midfield alongside the energetic Milan.
Vineeth and Hume feature in more advanced positions, while Berbatov is the lone striker up front.
