ISL 2017: Three teams to watch out for

#1 Bengaluru FC

Bengluru FC

History

Formed in July 2013, the club has established itself as a premier footballing establishment in the country with a strong community focus. The club is owned by Mumbai-based company, JSW Group and its managing director is Sajjan Jindal.

Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the club's home ground is a 24,000 seater. The club has won the I-League twice; the first time in their debut season, and have been runners-up once within a short span of 4 years.

They have also won the Federation Cup twice, but have missed the AFC Cup title in 2015-16 by an inch. Sunil Chhetri, the Indian captain, is the top scorer for Bengaluru FC with 49 goals in 4 seasons. Their fan base, West Block Blues' support has been instrumental to their success.

Pre-season

Bengaluru FC defeated East Bengal, Gokulam FC and Chennai City in their pre-season friendlies. However, they lost narrowly to Minerva FC by 3-2. They defeated their former rivals from the I-League East Bengal, on an aggregate of 4-2. Later, defeating Gokulam FC, Kerala based club, founded in January 2017, by a margin of 5-1.

They churned out a merciless performance against Chennai FC, winning by an aggregate of 8-2. Miku Fedor ended up scoring five times, while Udanta Singh scored four times and Sunil Chhetri found the net thrice during their pre-season friendlies.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Abhra Mondal, Calvin Abhishek, Lalthuammawia Ralte.

Defenders: Collin Abranches, John Johnson, Joyner Monte Lourenco, Juan Antonio Gonzalez Fernandez, Nishu Kumar, Rahul Shankar Bheke, Subhasish Bose, Rahul Shankar Bheke.

Midfielders: Antonio Rodriguez Dovale, Boithang Haokip, Eduardo García Martin, Erik Paartalu, Harmanjot Singh Khabra, Lenny Rodrigues, Malsawmzuala, Udanta Singh.

Forwards: Miku Fedor, Sunil Chhetri, Braulio Nóbrega, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Daniel Lalhlimpuia.