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The upcoming edition of Indian Super is all set to kick-off on November 17th as defending champions ATK will resume their rivalry with last season's runners-up Kerala Blasters.
Although the ISL has helped Indians increase the quality of their play, the fickle nature of ISL defences has been a theme of the past three seasons.
However, with the number of participant teams increased into ten this season, the requirement for quality football has all forced the teams to go about building strong backlines, given the old adage says: "a good attack wins you games but a good defence wins you titles".
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In regard to the players' recent performances and experience, Sportskeeda is tabulating the top five defences that could be the meanest in ISL 2017-18.
#5 Bengaluru FC
Federation Cup champions Bengaluru FC have one of the finest defences in the ISL this season.
It comprises the likes of experienced Spaniard Juanan Gonzalez and club stalwart John Johnson in the centre. The defensive duo had already gelled well playing alongside each other for the best part of a year now. Aizawl FC's I-League winning captain Zohmingliana Ralte is a new recruit and is a fine option to have from the bench.
On the defensive flanks, Bengaluru could use the services of Rahul Bheke, regarded as one of India's top-notch right-backs, while Harmanjot Khabra is also an option, having played as a right-back ever since he joined the club. Both the full-backs are highly energetic and will be expected to balance their defensive and offensive duties well.
Alberto Roca's team have Nishu Kumar, Subhasish Bose, Collin Abranches, who could come as substitutes and can add immensely to an already sturdy unit.
#4 Chennaiyin FC
2015 champions Chennaiyin FC are all set to reclaim their lost glory in the forthcoming edition. With John Gregory replacing Marco Materazzi at the helm, the team have added quite a few ex-ISL players to their 2017-18 squad.
Having roped in Henrique Sereno and Mailson Alves late in the ISL transfer window, Chennaiyin will be expected to start in central defence, while Inigo Calderon and Sanjay Balmuchu can also fill in if required.
On the left flank, Chennaiyin have one of the best budding talents of Indian football, Jerry Lalrinzuala. The emerging player of ISL 3 will likely continue to ply his trade as like what he did the previous time. Dhanachandra Singh is another option at left-back, so is Fulganco Cardozo.
Chennaiyin will likely deploy the experienced Calderon as their right-bank, while Keenan Almeida is also another option. Such variety in options certainly makes Chennaiyin's defence in ISL-4 one to be fearful of.
#3 Jamshedpur FC
The ISL's new entrants Jamshedpur FC have one of the best defences this season, led by the rock called Anas Edathodika.
One of India's best defenders, Anas' addition to the team is a big boost ahead of their maiden campaign. That aside, they have also secured the services of ISL-winning defender Tiri and former NorthEast United ace Andre Bikey. Robin Gurung will likely be the primary choice for the team at right-back.
The team will likely deploy Anas and Tiri at the centre of their defence, while the likes of Gurung and Yumnam Raju have proved to be dependable full-backs in the past ISL seasons. The experience of Bikey could be utilised further up the field in a holding role but the Cameroonian can also fill in at the back.
The team also have a good crop of reserves in the event of any absence, with the likes of Shouvik Ghosh and Sairuat Kima adding depth to JFC and making them one of the best defensive units we will witness in ISL-4.
#2 Mumbai City FC
Under the helm of Alexandre Guimaraes, Mumbai City FC are all set to continue from where the left off in 2016.
The team have retained the services of both Gerson Viera and Lucian Goian, two versatile defenders who performed tremendously last season. The team also have bolstered their defensive line-up with the addition of the experienced Marcio Rosario.
Among their Indian defenders, Raju Gaikwad and Mehrajuddin Wadoo have plenty of top-level experience having played for the Indian national team in the past.
The team will also enjoy the services of Davinder Singh, Biswajith Saha and Airborlang Khongjee to add depth to their defensive line-up. It is not only their players that make Mumbai City's defence a mean unit but also Guimaraes and the club's reputation in the ISL. Last season, Mumbai City conceded the fewest number of goals.
#1 Kerala Blasters
2016 runners-up Kerala Blasters have the best defensive squad this season. The Rene Meluensteen-coached side have secured the services of versatile defenders for the upcoming edition.
The team's Indian defenders comprise the likes of Sandesh Jhingan, India's best defender at the moment, alongside experienced Rino Anto, Samuel Shadap, Pritam Kumar Soraisem and budding talents like Lalruatthara and Lalthakima.
Former Manchester United defensive wall Wes Brown will also ply his trade for the Kochi-based ISL outfit. 24-year-old Serbian defender Nemanja Lakic-Pesic, a strong, young defender, is another good addition to the club's defence.
Should Meulensteen opt for a defensive 5-4-1 flat formation, the team have their three central defenders' combination ready. Wes Brown, Lakic-Pesic and Jhingan will be the first choices if that setup is picked. The experience of Brown, the height and aerial ability of Lakic-Pesic and the indispensable Jhingan make the Blasters central defence the strongest on paper.
Add to that the likes of Anto and Ruatthara and Kerala Blasters could prove to be more than equipped at the back than front despite their lavish outlay for foreign forwards.
In short, Kerala Blasters are one of the hottest contenders for the coveted ISL title this time out, yet again. Their irresistible attack, coupled with an immovable defence could well be the recipe for success in ISL-4.
