ISL Fantasy 2017: Tips for Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC
The 4th match of ISL 2017 sees last season table-toppers Mumbai City FC take on debutants Bengaluru FC. Mumbai’s record-breaking defensive season last year, sees 4 of their defenders making our team.
Goalkeeper:
Amrinder Singh: The 24-year-old proved his credentials in ISL 2016 in a watertight Mumbai defence by keeping 5 clean sheets in just 6 matches, thus winning the Golden Glove award in ISL 2016. With last season’s stalwarts Lucian Goian and Gerson Vieira ahead of him, Amrinder will be a good bet to keep a clean sheet.
Defenders
Lucian Goian: The Romanian was ISL 2016’s best defender by producing dominating defensive displays game in game out. The 34-year-old possesses the capability to keep Bengaluru’s attackers at bay due to his tight man marking and sound positioning.
Gerson Vieira: A former teammate of Neymar, Gerson Vieira formed a superb defensive partnership with Lucian Goian to make Mumbai’s defence one of the best in ISL 2016. The 25-year-old had a fantastic partnership with Goian and they are likely to replicate their strong defensive performance of ISL 2016.
Aibarlong Khongjee: The 3rd member of Mumbai City F. C’s defence. Mumbai’s record-breaking defensive performance means Khongjee is hard to ignore. The 30-year-old not only is a good defender but is also good going forward and can contribute offensively as well.
Mehrajuddin Wadoo: The tough-tackling defender is the only Bengaluru defender to feature in our team. The former Chennaiyin FC is not afraid to put his foot in thus giving him more chance to score points. He can also score long-range goals.
John Johnson: A graduate of the Middlesbrough youth academy John Johnson has been a constant figure in the Bengaluru defence during their I-League stint. Dealing with aerial threats comfortably owing to his height and experience in dealing with the physicality of English lower division football not only make him a potent defender but a threat in set pieces as well.
Midfielders
Erik Paartalu: The towering midfielder is capable of contributing both defensively and offensively. The Australian with his 6’4 height is a threat at set pieces as well. His experience of playing in the AFC cup will allow him to ease into the side as Bengaluru look to stamp their authority on the ISL.
Lenny Rodrigues: Lenny Rodrigues has established himself as the pivot of the senior Indian team. His forte is his range of passing skills of both the short and long variety, which helps the team make a seamless transition from defence to attack. He is arguably India’s most complete midfielder hence the 30-year-old can prove to be a valuable pick.
Dimas Delgado: The experienced Dimas is a defensive midfielder who is comfortable in possession, and possesses the vision to produce long-range passing. The former Barcelona B player is also adept at controlling the tempo of the match. The Spanish midfielder can also finish when the opportunity arises.
Forwards
Sunil Chhetri: The highest goal scorer of India’s national team hasn’t set the ISL alight so far with his wasteful displays in front of goal. With him back in familiar surroundings, the Indian captain is expected to shine for Bengaluru FC.
Udanta Singh: Udanta has already proved his class in the domestic circuit by playing a crucial role in Bengaluru’s I-League win in 2015-16. Udanta possesses frightening speed and is capable of providing pinpoint crosses. He will look to make an impact in ISL after already establishing himself in the national team.