ISL 2017: Predicted XI for FC Goa

FC Goa will look to redeem themselves in this year's edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). The side reached the semi-final in the inaugural season and all the way to the final in 2015 but unfortunately lost out to Chennayin FC in front of a home crowd that left the team with disappointment and controversies galore.

This season, FC Goa's head coach Zico has been replaced by Spaniard Sergio Lobera who has coached numerous Spanish clubs, including over a decade with FC Barcelona's youth teams.

Will the 2017-18 season mark the beginning of a new era in FC Goa's history? We look at what could be the team's starting XI as they begin their hunt for their first ISL title!

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Predicted Formation: 4-3-3

Sergio Lobera has for long, with many of his past teams, usually gone for the 4-3-3 defensive-minded style formation. However, with ample attacking options with a good mix of experienced and young forwards and attacking midfielders, Lobera could very well take an attacking approach with his new FC Goa team.

Goalkeeper and Defenders

Laxmikant Kattimani

Goalkeeper: Laxmikant Kattimani

Goa's brick wall in goal will be back for his fourth consecutive season with the club and will continue to be regarded as a local hero for his show in goal. The goalkeeper has established himself as a regular starter over the years with a good record of clean sheets.

Right Back: Amey Ranawade

With no recognized right back in the squad, DSK's Amey Ranawade looks certain to get the nod as he did serve as second choice RB in his previous stint with DSK Shivaijans. The player loves going up the flanks and putting in a couple of great crosses every game, which makes the young fullback definitely one to watch out for.

Center Back: Bruno Pinheiro

A CDM by nature, Bruno should easily take on the CB responsibility as he was naturally a defensive minded midfielder and has played center back for FC Goa and other clubs before. The defender will return for his third season with the club. The Portuguese is a big fan favorite and will look to build on that. Bruno will likely get the nod ahead of Sergio Juste due to his experience of playing for FC Goa and in Indian conditions before.

Center Back: Chinglensana Singh

The defender from Manipur looks likely to get the nod due to the rule of having just five foreign players in the starting XI and head coach Sergio Lobera will probably bank on the experience of his Indian defenders. Singh, at the age of 20 has already had plenty of experience playing in India and camps that took place in England. He has also played in the ISL for the Delhi Dynamos.

Left Back: Narayan Das

Left back Narayan Das will return to Goa after spending a rather disappointing season with ISL team FC Pune. The player established himself as one of the best fullbacks and young players in the league in the first two seasons of the ISL and will return to FC Goa with the pressure to deliver, based on his excellent performances in the past.

Midfielders

Pronay Halder

Central Midfielder: Pronay Halder

The tough midfielder from Bengal will return to FC Goa after a short stint in the past that was half ruined by injury, and with the other half of his spell showcasing his talent and technicality in midfield. Halder will likely take the defensive midfielder role in Lobera's starting XI.

Central Attacking Midfielder: Edu Bedia

The talented and experienced midfielder looks likely to start, having vast experience across different European leagues in the Spanish and German leagues. Bedia could look to play a central role in the heart of the FC Goa midfield, creating chances for the forwards.

Central Midfielder: Ahmed Jahouh

The Moroccan tank, Jahouh will definitely feature in Lobera's starting XI as the midfielder will look to add strength and solidarity to the FC Goa midfield. The Moroccan has won the first division in Morocco numerous times and also played a key role in Morocco's Arab Cup of Nations win in 2012. The 6'1", box-to-box midfielder looks certain to play a pivotal role this season.

Forwards

Brandon Fernandes

Right Winger: Brandon Fernandes

The local boy has finally been picked up by FC Goa, as they missed out on him in past seasons.The 23-year-old midfielder has already had trials with three English clubs and also played for ASD Football Academy team in South Africa. A Lusofonia games gold medalist with India, the young midfielder will use his experience gained in Europe and locally to light the pitch up with his skills and vision and get the crowd on their feet.

Striker: Ferran Corominas

The former Copa Del Rey Winner has been roped in by FC Goa this season to strengthen their forward position after a poor show in front of goal last season. With an experience of over 200 games in the Spanish La Liga, the striker also has two runners-up medals, one with La Liga side Espanyol for the UEFA Europa League 2006-07 and one with Spain for the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2003. Coro, as he's fondly known, will look to convert as many chances as he can for his side and take them to the playoffs as with a resume like his, nothing less would be expected.

Left Winger: Manuel Lanzarote

Another Spaniard who played for a host of different Spanish clubs across different divisions which includes Barcelona B and C and Espanyol among others. 300 games and close to 60 goals with just as many assists, Lanzarote will look to form a bond with fellow Spanish striker Coro and the rest of the Spaniards in the team along with their Indian teammates to help FC Goa win their first ever ISL title

FC Goa's predicted starting lineup