ISL 2017: 5 most lethal strikeforces this season

Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh, two of India's best forwards
Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh, two of India's best forwards

The forthcoming edition of Indian Super League is all set to kick into action in mid-November. With the league's winners now awarded an AFC Cup spot, there is no doubt that battle will be intense this time.

The value of the attackers in a team is always immense. ISL teams, this summer, have made strong attacking signings, which could be the base from which they could launch their respective title charges.

Here we take a look at the five most lethal attacks in the 2017-18 ISL.

#5 ATK

Tottenham Hotspur v Fiorentina
Robbie Keane is ATK's star man in attack

Reigning champions ATK have already launched their defence of their ISL title, on the transfer front at least.

Under the stewardship of former Manchester United player Teddy Sheringham and Ashley Westwood, Manchester United's academy graduate, ATK have built a fine squad for the 2017-18 ISL season.

One of only two teams to use up the option to sign a marquee this summer, ATK have secured the service of Ireland legend Robbie Keane to boost their attack and lead them to a hat-trick of ISL titles this season.

The team have also bolstered their attack with the signings of ex-Portuguese U-20 international Zequinha and Finnish striker Njazi Kuqi while roping in Indian international Robin Singh during the domestic draft.

The team are likely to go with Keane, Zequinha and Robin in attack. While the experience and eye for goal of Keane will be a big plus, the combination of Zequinha with Robin will add more power and brawn to their attack.

In short, ATK's aim to defend their title depends on how quickly their attackers can gel on the pitch. On paper, they are among the best, but it remains to be seen how they measure up to the ISL as a unit.

#4 Chennaiyin FC

Jeje is Chennaiyin's man man up front
Jeje is Chennaiyin's man man up front

The ISL 2015 champions, Chennaiyin FC, are all set to reclaim their title this time out.

The Chennai-based ISL outfit have already made their intentions clear. With the inclusion of high-profile overseas players along with former ISL winners Henrique Sereno and Mailson Alves, Chennaiyin could be the team to clinch the cup this season.

The teams' attack comprises the likes of Indian international Jeje Lalpekhlua, Gregory Nelson, Jaime Gavilan, Mohammed Rafi and Jude Nworuh.

The firepower the team have in the attacking third is great. One of India's most lethal attackers Jeje combining with the experienced Nelson and Gavilan would make them a nightmare for ISL defences.

While Jeje is expected to play as a number 9, Chennaiyin will likely use the services of Gavilan and Gregory on either flank to provide the Mizo forward with adequate support.

The combination could perform the level expected, it will make them invincible and will help Chennaiyin reclaim their lost glory. If it fails, head coach John Gregory could bank on the experienced head of Rafi or the unpredictability of Nworuh.

#3 - Bengaluru FC

Sunil Chhetri is BFC's go-to man in attack
Sunil Chhetri is BFC's go-to man in attack

New entrants to the Indian Super League, AFC Cup runners-up Bengaluru FC are all set to establish themselves as the best Indian club this season.

The JSW-owned franchise will make their entry into the league alongside Tata Steel's Jamshedpur FC. The most successful Indian football club since their inception, Bengaluru FC have provided the Indian football community with many moments to relish in their short period of existence.

Bengaluru FC's attack is a proven one. With the services Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri and jet-heeled winger Udanta Singh retained, Miku and Braulio Nobregas addition makes BFC's attack one of the most potent in ISL-4.

While it is expected that coach Albert Roca will deploy Chhetri as a left forward, Udanta will likely ply his trade on the right. The experience of former Valencia striker Miku will be pivotal to the team's attack.

Miku alongside Chhettri and Udanta could form one of the top attacking trios in the ISL next season.

#2 FC Pune City

Marcelinho scored 10 goals in ISL 2016
Marcelinho scored 10 goals in ISL 2016

The Pune-based ISL franchise are one of the worst performers in Indian Super League history.The team have not been able to qualify for the semi-finals in the past three years. But this season, they look all set to clinch the title.

The team have resorted this time to signing proven players alongside some high-profile foreigners.

The teams' attack is competent to blow away any defence. Pune City's attack features the like of Marcelinho, who took ISL by storm the previous season, Emiliano Alfaro, Kean Lewis and Diego Carlos.

It is expected that the coach will employ the services of Marcelinho, Diego and Lewis in the attacking third, while Alfaro can be used as a boost from the bench whenever required.

This combination will be a dream one for Pune City fans as they might have seen Marcelinho and Lewis destroy opponents playing for Delhi Dynamos in 2016. Brazilian attacker Diego is also a solid addition for the team.

The depth of Pune City's attack makes it one of the most lethal in the ISL next season.

#1 Kerala Blasters

CK<p>
CK Vineeth is a key presence for the Blasters

The Kochi-based ISL outfit are all set to edge past their last year's performance this time out. With Rene Meulensten replacing the successful Steve Coppell at the helm, Kerala Blasters fans are hopeful of a successful 2017-18 season.

The team have already made some fine signings in the foreign market. While the Blasters will enjoy the services of some of India's finest players, the foreign quota has been filled by some high-profile players and budding talents.

Abounding reasons will help us say that Kerala Blasters' attack is the best when compared to other ISL clubs. The team are blessed with the presence of the former Manchester United ace, Dimitar Berbatov. Indian Super League's all time top scorer Iain Hume and local hero CK Vineeth also make it into their attack.

While Berbatov's experience will be integral to Meulensteen's side, Hume's ISL experience and Vineeth's indomitable spirit also make them stand at the top of the list.

Although Berbatov is expected ply his trade in midfield, he will provide Hume and Vineeth with adequate attacking intent. With their combination, we can safely say that Kerala Blasters have the fiercest attack this time around.

Quick Links

Edited by Abhijit Bharali