Maharashtra is the only state that has two representatives in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). Mumbai City FC are the only club among the two Maharashtra outfits to have qualified for the semi-finals. They did so as recently as last season by coming up with some tight and strong defensive displays to finish top of the table after the league stage and in the process also become the only side to have conceded goals in single digits (8) at the time.

The first couple of seasons saw them finish seventh and sixth respectively, but Uruguayan legend Diego Forlan led the charge for the Mumbaikars last year. They were only edged out by eventual champions ATK in the semi-finals on a rare occasion when their defence was exposed.

Mumbai have thus smartly retained the core that brought them success. Although Indian captain Sunil Chhetri is a notable miss from their side, having decided to represent Bengaluru FC, he hardly featured for them last year as well due to AFC Cup commitments. With a squad full of Hero ISL pedigree, the Mumbaikars can be confident of their team chemistry heading into a longer season.

Defence

The centre-back pairing of Romanian Lucian Goian and Brazilian Gerson Vieira ensures a strong defence with not much scope for errors, and Mumbai have retained both their services. They’re precise in their tackles and make innumerable interceptions at the back. They also proved to be a threat while venturing into attack, especially from set-plays. However, a new face in defence for this season will be Vieira’s fellow Brazilian Marcio Rozario. The 33-year-old comes with plenty of experience in the top flights in Brazil and will be competing for a starting spot with Goian and Vieira. The full-back positions also have plenty of experience in the form of hardy right back Raju Gaikwad, who was an FC Goa regular, as well as the speedy Aiborlang Khongjee, whose consistent performances last season prompted Mumbai to sign him up again. Also helping out in defence will be the ever-reliable, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, who has previously represented Chennaiyin FC.

Midfield

The midfield possesses plenty of Brazilian flair in the form of Leo Costa, who was a key figure for Mumbai last year with his delightful balls and stunning strikes. Fellow Brazilian Thiago Santos has been roped in from Flamengo and the 22-year-old will hope to have his say. Another compatriot of theirs joining them in the centre of the park is Everton Santos, who has an abundance of experience having played across Brazil, France and South Korea. The strong and pacey Cameroonian Achille Emana has plied his trade successfully in the Serie A as well as La Liga and will add to the depth of the squad. Sehnaj Singh is one of the domestic players that Mumbai have opted to retain. The 24-year-old is known for his defensive qualities but also possesses a hammer of a right foot. On the flanks, Mumbai can boast the pace and trickery of Sanju Pradhan and Abinash Ruidas, who both come with Hero ISL experience. Ruidas played his part in ATK’s road to the title last year with his speed and guile with the ball at his feet. Sahil Tavora is another youngster certain to add more edge to Mumbai’s midfield if his cameo displays with FC Goa last season are anything to go by.

Attack

Spaniard Rafa Jorda can be expected to lead the attack for Mumbai. The 33-year-old has played most of his football in his native land and also China, so Asian conditions will not be new to him. Joining him up front will be none other than Hero ISL’s first ever Indian scorer, Balwant Singh. The 31-year-old is one of the most prolific strikers in the country and will hope to score plenty of goals this season. Another eye-catching and talented domestic striker within their ranks is teenager Pranjal Bhumij from Assam.

The coach

Mumbai City FC have decided to retain their Costa Rican head coach Alexandre Guimaraes after he guided them to a maiden semis appearance last season. He must be a pleased man after seeing a large part of his squad from last year being retained. Guimaraes can thus use much of the same formula that got him results, meaning the team shouldn’t take long to hit the ground running.

Player to watch out for

Balwant Singh has shown good scoring touch of late for the national team. The former Chennaiyin FC player is a clinical finisher and has great goal-poaching skills. Although his form has fluctuated over the course of his career, Balwant has always shined when he had a good midfield supporting him. With Mumbai possessing one of the more creative midfields in the league, it would not come as a surprise if the player happened to bag goals in abundance.

Pre-season form

Mumbai City FC took to Spain for their pre-season friendlies where they showed good form, getting victories in most of their fixtures:

With a proven squad at their service once more, it should not take much doing for Mumbai to get positive results. That being said, the Hero ISL will test their consistency and tenacity more this time around since it’s a longer season. The club though has the requisite quality and potential to cope and will be hoping to make the semis at the very least.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Arindam Bhattacharya, Kunal Shantaram Sawant
Defenders: Aiborlang Khongjee, Biswajit Saha, Davinder Singh, Gerson Fraga Vieira, Lalchhawnkima, Lucian Goian, Marcio Nascimento Rosario, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Raju Eknath Gaikwad
Midfielders: Abinas Ruidas, Achille Emana Edzimbi, Dom Sahil Krishe De Noronha E Tavora, Everton Leandro Dos Santos Pinto, Leonardo Fabricio Soares Da Costa, Rakesh Oram, Sanju Pradhan, Sehnaj Singh, Thiago Nascimento Dos Santos, Zakeer Mundampara
Forwards: Balwant Singh, Pranjal Bhumij, Rafael Jorda Ruiz De Assin

Related tags:

Mumbai City FC 2017-2018