AFC Cup 2017: Bengaluru FC vs Istiklol - Probable starting XI for the Blues

Central Defenders

Juan Antonio celebrates goal against JDT in last year's zonal final

John Johnson

After having missed the first leg through injury, John Jonhson is facing a race against time for fitness. Although word from various sources around the club say the Englishman will be ready in time for the massive clash in the inter-zonal final.

A huge force at the back for BFC, Johnson brings to the table an added goal threat on set plays.

A losing finalist in the cup final last season, Johnson has been a loyal servant to the club and will be keen to add the AFC Cup trophy to his honours this time out.

Juan Antonio

Spanish centre-back and another member of last year's final loss, Juan Antonio will be a key figure at the back for BFC on Wednesday. The first leg was a tricky game for the Spaniard who will be keen to put in a shift and take the club to their second consecutive final appearance.

Juan Antonio scored the third and final goal in the club's big 3-1 at the Kanteerava, at the same stage of the competition last season, against Johor Darul Takzim. The club is India's first and only team to make an Asian Cup final appearance.

Rahul Bheke

26-year-old Indian defender and new signing Rahul Bheke has joined the BFC ranks and has proved to be a good fit in the centre of defence capable and comfortable in playing in either a back two or back three.

With the central threat posed by the away side in the first leg, manager Alberto Roca will be wary of the extra space the opposition team was provided by his side in the first leg. With Johnson back in contention, the back three of Bheke, Johnson and Juan Antonio will be hard to break down.