ISL 2017: FC Pune City Predicted XI

With renewed hopes for the upcoming season, FC Pune City are finally looking to make their mark in the ISL. The club have undergone a major overhaul, right from the players and the manager to the co-owner of the side. Despite the new man in charge - Ranko Popovic - getting less than two months to prepare his side for the tedious season ahead, there is a genuine belief among the supporters and the management that this is the season where Pune will enter the knockout stages for the first time.

The Stallions have invested in the future rather than in the present which is evident by their buys in the Indian players' draft. Pune have a good young Indian unit at their helm, coupled with some exciting foreign signings in the attacking front. Acquisitions like Marcelino and Emiliano Alfaro make Pune one of the best attacking sides on paper. On that note, here is the predicted XI for FC Pune City in ISL season 4:

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper and Defenders

Enter capt — India's future number one goalkeeper

Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith

There is a lot of hype around the young Indian custodian, who has already been termed as the next Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The 21-year-old is a brilliant shot-stopper and such has been his impression on the side that the management has decided to keep faith in him and not sign an experienced person between the sticks. Kaith is definitely one of the players to watch out for in the upcoming campaign.

Right back: Sarthak Golui

The Stallions managed to take Golui on loan from Mohun Bagan last month and the youngster is being seen as a first choice right back option for the Pune outfit. Golui is tipped to represent India in the future, which increases the onus on him to perform consistently at this level.

Centre back: Rafa Lopez

Pune have managed a huge coup in luring Lopez to play in the Indian Super League. The Spaniard has over 200 appearances in La Liga with Getafe and is a commanding central defender. Lopez is a leader on the field and will have a responsibility of keeping Pune's backline in check.

Centre back: Nim Dorjee Tamang

Another bright Indian prospect, Tamang last played for Shillong Lajong and is currently in good knick. The Manipuri defender reads the game well and can learn a lot from the likes of Lopez and Damir Grgic.

Left back: Lalchhuanmawia Fanai

Fanai is a seasoned professional and has played for Mumbai City in the ISL in the past. The towering left back is a brilliant crosser of the ball and is also a worthy presence during set pieces. Fanai is an experienced defender who will have a big role to play in this young defensive Pune unit.

Midfielders

Centre midfield: Marcos Tebar

The former Real Madrid man will be looking to continue his good run from Delhi Dynamos and help out the Stallions from the centre of the park. If Pune are hoping to have an eventful season 4, they will need Tebar to boss the midfield and dictate games.

Centre midfield: Jewel Raja

This is Raja's third club in the ISL, having already played for FC Goa and Atletico De Kolkata in the previous seasons. A winger in his academy years, the 27-year-old is good in tight spaces and is a brilliant chance creator. He loves to charge forward and will be looking to be among the goals for the Stallions.

Centre midfield: Isaac Vanmalsawma

The 21-year-old is another talented individual who will have all the spotlight on him. He is being touted as a future India player and has impressed the Pune management. Isaac recently scored in the practice game against Mohun Bagan playing in a midfield three and will be looking to make the most of what will likely be his first full ISL season.

Forwards:

Left wing: Kean Lewis

With 4 goals and 2 assists last season, Lewis announced himself, playing a wide role for the Delhi Dynamos last time around. He was in demand during the players' draft, which goes to show the impact that his displays have created. Lewis terrorizes defences and will be looking to create a fine partnership with his new teammates.

Right-wing: Marcelino

Taking on board the player of the season from the previous campaign is a huge statement of intent, which has been achieved by FC Pune City in the form of Brazilian winger, Marcelino. The forward was almost unstoppable at times last season, scoring 10 goals in 14 matches for the Dynamos. He will be reunited with Lewis in Pune with whom he has previously shared a good on-field understanding.

Striker: Emiliano Alfaro

Alfaro instantly caught attention with his goalscoring streak in the first half of the previous season for North East United. When fit, Alfaro has a brilliant eye for goal and takes up brilliant positions in the 18-yard box. The Uruguayan completes a deadly front trio for FC Pune City who, if they click early, can wreak havoc for the remaining sides in the ISL.

Edited by Arvind Sriram