Two-time Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) champions, Chennaiyin FC had a horrid time in the 2018-19 season, finishing rock bottom in the table after accumulating just nine points in 18 matches. John Gregory’s men also possessed both the worst defensive and offensive stats in the league and therefore have a lot to prove in the coming Hero ISL 2019-20 campaign.

With the new season due to start from October 20, here's a brief overview of the Chennaiyin squad.

TRANSFER INS AND OUTS

The club had a decent transfer window as they tweaked the squad to ready themselves for the upcoming season. Former FC Pune City goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was signed as a possible backup to veteran shot-stopper Karanjit Singh, who has been handed a player cum goalkeeping coach role for this season. In defence, despite losing former skipper Mailson Alves, the team management managed to add experience and quality in form of former Mumbai City FC talisman Lucian Goian and Afghan centre back Masih Saighani to complement Brazilian defender Eli Sabia, who was retained. The addition of the versatile Edwin Vanspaul will also add options Gregory can call upon both at the back and in midfield.

Further up the pitch, the Marina Machans have roped in some serious talent in names like Andre Schembri, Dragos Firtulescu, Rafael Crivellaro and Nerijus Valskis. The four, along with fellow-new recruit Lallianzuala Chhangte, can really hurt oppositions on their day and are worthy replacements for the likes of Raphael Augusto and Isaac Vanmalsawma, who have left the club.

AT THE HELM

Despite enduring their worst season in Hero ISL history last term, Chennaiyin have decided to keep faith in Gregory and stick with the Englishman for the coming season. Despite the team struggling last season, Gregory was very successful in his first term with the club, helping them lift the Hero ISL crown back in 2017-18. A fresh start and working with a new bunch of players will certainly help the 65-year-old’s cause and could very well be the platform he needs to restore the former champions to their previous glory.

STRENGTHS

The presence of experienced, high-quality players especially at the back is possibly Chennaiyin’s biggest strength going into the season. Goian, Saighani and Eli Sabia represent a smashing trio of centre-back options capable of adjusting their game according to the demands of the philosophy of the head coach. The return of holding midfielder Dhanpal Ganesh, who missed the entirety of last season with a knee injury, will also significantly boost Chennaiyin's defensive status for the season ahead.

An entirely new strike force is another parameter which could make the former champions a tough opposition to contend with in the Hero ISL 2019-20. Schembri, Firtulescu and Valskis will all be playing in the Hero ISL for the first time and therefore, will carry a certain level of unpredictability in their game. New addition Chhangte and Thoi Singh will bring ample pace on the wide areas while the rapidly-progressing Anirudh Thapa will be expected to be the mastermind from the centre of midfield.

AREAS OF CONCERN

Jeje Lalpekhlua has been an integral part of the Chennaiyin since 2014 and is the club’s highest scorer. However, the Mizo sniper struggled for form last term and managed just a solitary goal – his worst return from a season till date. The pre-season hasn’t been kind to the striker either as he is still recovering from an injury and is facing a race against time to get fit. Jeje will undoubtedly be a big part of Gregory’s equation for the coming season and his injury woes and lack of form will surely be a major area of concern for Chennaiyin.

SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Karanjit Singh, Vishal Kaith, Sanjiban Ghosh

DEFENDERS: Ngasepam Tondonba Singh, Masih Saighani, Lucian Goian, Eli Sabia Filho, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Deepak Tangri, Chongompipa Reamsochung Aimol, Zohmingliana Ralte, Laldinliana R, Hendry Antonay

MIDFIELDERS: Lallianzuala Chhangte, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, Dragos - Petrut Firtulescu, Khangenbam Thoi Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Dhanapal Ganesh, Germanpreet Singh, Rafael Schuler Crivellaro

FORWARDS: Nerijus Valskis, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Rahim Ali, Andre Schembri

Do you think Chennaiyin can bounce back from the disappointment of last season? Leave your predictions for the team in the comments below: