Chennaiyin, Goa, Kerala: The Three Teams That Could Win ISL 3

Take a look at the three teams which on paper look like having a good chance of winning ISL 3.

Kerala Blasters’ Sandesh Jhingan. (Photo: Indian Super League)

The fiercely competitive Indian Super League is back again and football fans across India are gearing up to support their favourite club.

Though it is really difficult to pick the best team in the league considering the inconsistency and packed schedule, here’s a look at the three teams which, on paper, look like having a chance of lifting the ISL 3 trophy.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin manager Marco Materazzi. (Photo: Indian Super League)

The defending champions seem to be the favourites yet again this year, simply because they have retained the maximum number of players as well as the coach. The team, coached by Marco Materazzi, seem to be the only one in the league with a distinct playing philosophy, as they haven’t changed their coach even once.

The attack line will be led again by Indian forward Jeje Lalpekhlua, who has been in excellent from since the last season. Nigerian Dudu Omagbemi, who joined the line-up from FC Goa, further bolstered the forward line, with the striker already having scored 7 goals in 19 ISL appearances.

Chennaiyin are also known for their immensely effective scouting for Indian talent. So, the signing of Daniel Lalhlimpuia and youngster Uttam Rai can be a gamble that could produce exceptional results.

They might, however, desperately miss the services of striker Stiven Mendoza. The Colombian was the highest scorer of the league last season and proved to be a game changer.  Mendoza currently plays in the MLS with New York City FC.

His absence might just be compensated by the club’s very strong midfield. With Baljit Sahni, new signing Hans Mulder, Harmanjot Khabra, Raphael Augusto and Siam Hanghal, Materazzi has a dream midfield at his disposal.

As for defence, John Arne Riise and Mehrajuddin Wadoo are good enough. while we all know how good a defence tactician the Chennaiyin FC coach is.

All these factors make Chennai a balanced squad, a definite finalist and a very strong contender to win the title yet again.

FC Goa

FC Goa midfielder Mandar Rao Desai. (Photo: Indian Super League)

One team that you can say had a definitive plan last season was FC Goa. Coach Zico knew exactly what he was doing, and they missed the trophy only by a whisker. Just like Chennaiyin, Goa is another club which has held on to its manager.

The team has a very strong Brazilian flavour. Besides the coach, they have as many as eight players from the South American nation. The signing of Indian striker Robin Singh, who apparently rediscovered himself under Roberto Carlos, comes as a big boost to the side. He will combine with Brazil’s Reinaldo, who has scored 7 goals for the club, and Rafael Coelho to spearhead the attack.

FC Goa have also retained two of their key Indian midfielders, Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Desai, thus maintaining consistency in the team. They also have with them their star goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani, who has thoroughly impressed everyone with his game.

It won’t be unfair to say that the runners-up of last season are a good bet to win the title this year.

Kerala Blasters FC

Sandesh Jhingan is among the handful of players Kerala Blasters have retained. (Photo: Indian Super League)

Many might argue otherwise, but the third team which might just lift the trophy this year is Sachin Tendulkar’s Kerala Blasters FC. They finished at the bottom of the table last season, but with a new line-up, Kerala seem to be a promising side.

Most of their issues last season were related to the unavailability of a coach. But this time around, they have signed former Manchester United and English winger Steve Coppell as their head coach. With the experience Coppell has, right from Crystal Palace to Manchester City, he might just pull the passionate Kerala side through.

The team has retained a handful of Indian players, which includes midfielder Mehtab Hossain, CK Vineeth, defender Sandesh Jhingan and forward Mohammed Rafi. As for foreign players, forward Antonio German and midfielder Josu are the only ones who made the cut. Basically, the team retained only those players who performed last season.

Michael Chopra makes his comeback this season and will don the yellow jersey. In the defence, the return of Cedric Hengbart, who joined NorthEast United last season, will be a big boost.

With the right team, right combination and right coach on paper, Kerala Blasters might just confound critics and go all the way.