ISL 2017: 5 reasons why Bengaluru FC can win the title
Two-time I-League champions Bengaluru FC will make their bow in ISL 2017 with the tournament being expanded this time. As one of the established sides in Indian football, it will be intriguing to note how Bengaluru progress in the ISL and if they can carry their I-League success over to the ISL.
That said, here's why we think they stand a good chance at winning the title.
Success at every level
Bengaluru FC have been in this situation before. They are the only club in the history of Indian football to have won the league title in their debut season. As a brand new team, Bengaluru achieved this feat in the 2013-14 season. They went on to show that their debut success was no fluke by winning the league again in 2015-16.
They are also the only Indian side to have made the final of the AFC Cup, where they finished runners-up to Iraqi side Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya.
The two I-League seasons, where they didn't win the title, they finished second and fourth respectively, showing their strength as one of the top teams in the country.
They will be bringing that winning pedigree to the ISL, which will serve them well as they look to make another memorable debut.