ISL 2017: Predicted XI for Bengaluru FC

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Bengaluru FC will make their much-anticipated debut at the ISL

Will history repeat itself for the new superpowers of Indian football? This is the question on everyone's mind at the moment as Bengaluru FC get ready to make their much-awaited debut in the Indian Super League (ISL). The Blues won it in the first time of asking in the I-League and are expected to challenge for the top honours this time around in the ISL.

Though the Indian players' draft changed the complexion of a strong Bengaluru FC side, some brilliant work done in the transfers department has ensured that the side from the tech city does have a strong unit.

Ahead of the next season, let's predict how will Bengaluru FC lineup this season in what will be their strongest possible XI:


Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper and defenders

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Johnson will be crucial to the Blues' cause this season

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Signing India's number one custodian was considered to be a master move by the Blues and one which would have a huge impact in the league proceedings. Quick off his line along with having quick reflexes, Sandhu is the best in the business and instantly makes Bengaluru FC a fearful unit.

Right back: Rahul Bheke

The fullback was picked up by Bengaluru in the draft and has made regular appearances in the AFC Cup. Playing as a part of a back three and also as a right back gives manager Albert Roca plenty of reasons to give Bheke a starting role in a majority of the games.

Centre back: John Johnson

The no-nonsense defender has been the mainstay of this Bengaluru FC side since its inception. He is a crowd favourite at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium and is on course to make an impact in the ISL. Johnson is a Middlesbrough academy product and has settled well in Indian football since the past four years.

Centre back: Juanan

Signed last year, the Real Madrid Castilla product has done tremendously well since his debut and has often won plaudits for his fearless approach to the game. He is good in possession and often helps the Blues start out attack from the back. Juanan was also influential in Bengaluru's Federation Cup win last season.

Left back: Nishu Kumar

The 19-year-old has made an instant impression with the Blues and his fine performances have also landed him an international cap with India. Kumar loves to bombard forward but also has a knack of taking good positions in defence. He started out as a center back during his formative years and hence, has a good understanding of the defensive side of the game.

Also read: ISL 2017: Players expected to captain each side

Midfielders

Harmanjot Khabra
Harmanjot Khabra (right)

Centre defensive midfield: Erik Paartalu

The 6'4" Australian midfielder is already being seen as a brilliant acquisition after his successful performances in the AFC Cup. He does a good job of shielding the back four and also likes to dictate the tempo of the game. His physicality will be immense for Bengaluru FC in the upcoming season.

Centre midfield: Lenny Rodrigues

Bengaluru FC were keen on landing the former FC Pune City player in the draft and got their man successfully. Rodrigues is a box-to-box midfielder and has always been a goalscoring threat all his career. Rodrigues had a torrid season with the Stallions last season and would be desperate to make matters right in this campaign.

Centre midfield: Harmanjot Khabra

Khabra is an experienced campaigner having spent seven years with East Bengal prior to his move to the Blues last season. Khabra is a complete utility man and can help out in defence as well as in midfield. Khabra has brilliant vision with the ball and is known to create a number of chances from the centre of the park. The 29-year-old will be looking to create ample chances for the Bengaluru forwards to feed on.

Also read: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif to kick-off ISL 2017 in Kochi

Forwards

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Bengaluru FC's talisman

Left wing: Udanta Singh

When you are one of the two players that are retained from a talented squad by the club, you know your importance to that football side. Udanta was one of the two players that Bengaluru FC retained for the ISL. The Manipuri winger is a fan-favourite among fans of the Blues. He loves to dribble, create chances and take on defenders and The tricky winger will be looking to put behind his forgetful stint with Mumbai City FC in the ISL.

Right wing: Toni Dovale

The man from Rayo Vallecano has been instrumental in the club's run to the AFC inter-zonal playoff final. He is creative on the flanks and is a tough one to mark. Still just 27, Dovale has his best years ahead of him and Bengaluru FC will be eager to see his magic at the biggest of stages in the ISL. He is also the third Spaniard to be signed by the Blues after Juanan and Dimas Delgado, who add a Spanish flavour to this Bengaluru outfit.

Striker: Sunil Chhetri

The man with the golden right foot has been a Bengaluru FC legend since making his debut for the side. Chhetri often plays a sole striker upfront and has done a splendid job for both Ashley Westwood and Albert Roca. Changing loyalties in the ISL, Chhetri will have one eye on winning the league for the first time in his illustrious career and the other on securing the golden boot.

Also read: ISL 2017 Squad, List of all team players

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Edited by Shraishth Jain