ISL 2017: FC Pune City Predicted XI

Enter caption] — The perennial underachievers are looking to make matters right

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.