Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 enters the new year with higher expectations and more action-packed encounters in store for Indian football fans. With 36 matches entertaining the nation in 2017, the new year is sure to gift passionate fans more moments to cherish and cheer. A new year is nothing without resolutions, of course, so here we have a look at what all Hero ISL clubs must look to improve on in 2018.

Chennaiyin FC

After an initial setback, the current table-toppers have gained pace to end the year at the top with 16 points from eight matches. However, in the process, they have picked up 23 yellow cards, which is the most by any team this season. Hence, their resolution should be to commit fewer fouls and ensure their intense physicality does not lead to harsher punishments.

FC Pune City

The Stallions ended the year with a thumping 5-0 home win over NorthEast United FC which took them to second position on the table, courtesy of a better goal difference (8). However, with two red cards and 14 yellow cards already to their name from just eight matches, they must look to improve their discipline in 2018.

Bengaluru FC

The debutants have made quite a mark this season. After hogging the top position for weeks, they now sit third on the table with 15 points. Blues target man Miku is currently the joint top-scorer in the league with 8 goals, however, they must return to winning ways at home to earn a coveted semi-final spot having lost back-to-back matches in Bengaluru.

Mumbai City FC

The Islanders have the maximum number of tackles to their name this season. In just eight matches, their tally of 228 tackles is the highest. A major share of the same goes to captain Lucian Goian who leads the ‘Most Tackles’ list with 53. Their frontman Balwant Singh is also the top Indian goal-scorer this season with five goals at present. However, sustaining such a level of performance collectively won’t be easy and something they must target in the new year.

FC Goa

FC Goa are clearly one of the most formidable teams this season having already netted 18 times in just six encounters which is a Hero ISL record. The solid partnership between league joint top-scorer Ferran Corominas (8) and Manuel Lanzarote (5) has demolished opponent defences, and the Goa fans would hope they continue to deliver in 2018, too. However, the fact that Goa have no clean sheets to their name yet, means their resolution should be solidity in defence.

Jamshedpur FC

Another league debutant, Jamshedpur have grabbed eyeballs with their commanding defensive displays this season. They boast the maximum clean sheets (5) in the league and have been broken down only twice in the course of seven matches. However, the fact that they have managed to score only twice this season weighs heavy on the club. They must sharpen their attack in 2018 to keep their semis aspirations alive.

ATK

The defending champions started the season disappointingly with no victories in their first four matches, but have got their campaign back on track with back-to-back wins. As they start 2018 facing a dynamic FC Goa side, the Kolkata outfit need to ensure they hold on to their impressive clean sheet tally (currently four from six matches) and take maximum advantage of their goal-scoring opportunities to qualify for a fourth successive semi-final.

Kerala Blasters FC

Blasters ended 2017 on an unpleasant note by going 3-1 down against fellow southerners Bengaluru FC. With just one win in their bag from seven matches, the yellow brigade needs to ensure they convert their missed opportunities into goals. They are yet to register their first away win of the season, and their resolution should be to pick up maximum points on their travels. With an experienced squad at disposal, the fans can also hope that all their star players return to top form as the year ensues.

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders presently sit second-last on the points table and a lot of it can be attributed to a lack of fortune. They have never reached the Hero ISL semi-finals till date, and even this season the chances seem bleak with the current form they are in. They have only managed to score twice, while conceding 12 times and their resolutions should be to be more clinical in the final third performance, score more goals and end their four-match losing streak.

Delhi Dynamos FC

The Lions are currently suffering from their poorest start to a season ever with an unpleasant record to their name. Their six-match losing streak is the worst in Hero ISL history, and they quickly need to end it to give some semblance to their campaign. With a goal difference of 14, having conceded 19 times in just seven matches, their only resolution can be to register a win and give their fans something to cheer about.