ISL Fantasy: Best XI for Matchweek 4
A look at the best players to own in ISL Fantasy for Matchweek 4
The Indian Super League (ISL) continued to deliver some big results in Matchweek 3. Defending ISL champions Mohun Bagan SG were stunned 3-0 by Bengaluru FC while Mohammedan SC won their first-ever match in the ISL by beating Chennaiyin FC on their own patch.
On the Fantasy terms, it was another high-scoring week as plenty of the usual suspects delivered points. There were some surprise scorers like Borja Herrera who scored a fine hat-trick and his stocks as an ISL Fantasy asset are expected to rise.
As we make a swift entry into matchweek 4, here’s a look at the Best ISL Fantasy XI for MW 4
Formation: 3-4-3
Goalkeeper
Samik Mitra (Chennaiyin FC - GK, Rs 5 crore): Chennaiyin FC take on Hyderabad FC who are yet to score a goal in the ISL this season. The Yellow and Blacks have created the least number of chances this season and have taken the fewest shots among any team. Owen Coyle would be seeking improvement from his team after the loss in the last match and Mitra who is available at a price of Rs 5 crores is the top GK pick for Matchweek 4.
Defenders
Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan SG - Rs 4.9 crore): The Mariners may be struggling defensively this season but improvements are expected from Jose Molina’s team. Also Bose has contributed in attack this season and has accumulated seven points for passes completed and interceptions won this season making him a very desirable asset for MW4 with Mohun Bagan SG taking on Mohammedan SC at home. Their record in Kolkata derbies is excellent and Bose is thus a good pick for this week.
Laldinliana Renthlei (Chennaiyin FC - Rs 4.5 crore): The Chennaiyin FC full-back is a good differential pick for this matchweek with his team playing a Hyderabad FC side that haven’t been very strong in attack. Plus Renthlei has accumulated four points from passes completed and interceptions won making his ceiling for points quite high this week.
Mourtada Fall (Odisha FC - Rs 6 crore): The Senegalese defender got on the scoresheet once again in Matchweek 3 and is now a goal away from scoring the most headed goals in the league’s history. Facing Kerala Blasters FC at home, Fall will fancy his chances again. The prospect of a clean sheet is also high given Odisha FC’s dominance at home.
Midfielders
Javi Hernandez (Jamshedpur FC - Rs 9.6 crore): The Spaniard has made an excellent start to life as a Jamshedpur FC player and scored in their last game at home against Mumbai City FC. He also hit the post against Odisha FC and has been getting into scoring positions. Facing an East Bengal FC side without a head coach, Hernandez might be in for another big haul at home.
Hugo Boumous (Odisha FC - Rs 8.5 crore)(Captain): The Odisha FC midfielder is the second-highest scoring player in ISL Fantasy this season and has delivered a total of five assists so far this campaign. He enjoys plenty of possession in attacking areas especially at home and can be expected to make big returns against Kerala Blasters FC in MW4. Playing under Sergio Lobera also guarantees you those extra passes which translates into extra points in ISL Fantasy and thus Boumous is our pick for captaincy this week.
Greg Stewart (Mohun Bagan SG - Rs 9.9 crore): The Scottish midfielder is one of the nailed on starters for Mohun Bagan SG and has been growing into his new role with every passing game. He may have just one assist so far but his track record suggests he will be among the points sooner rather than later. He has also accumulated five points for passes completed so he will keep your team ticking along even if he doesn’t deliver a goal contribution.
Farukh Choudhary (Chennaiyin FC - Rs 6.1 crore): The Chennaiyin FC midfielder scored twice in the win against Odisha FC and could be among the points as they face a Hyderabad FC side who have been leaking a few goals. Coyle backs Choudhary to come good and as history suggests, the players that the Scot backs usually deliver on his faith.
Forwards
Jordan Murray (Jamshedpur FC - Rs 7 crore)(Vice-captain): The Jamshedpur FC forward has already scored twice this season and is the perfect striker for Khalid Jamil’s style of play. Facing an East Bengal FC side that’s struggling for confidence, Murray is a good bet to get on the scoresheet in MW4. His track record in the league and his recent performances in the Jamshedpur FC shirt make him our pick for the vice-captain this matchweek.
Armando Sadiku (FC Goa - Rs 8.6 crore): The FC Goa striker will return to lead the line in MW4 after missing out in matchweek 3. Borje Herrera did extremely well in his absence scoring a hat-trick but we expect Sadiku to return to the striker’s role as head coach Manolo Marquez hinted in the post-match press conference. Against a NorthEast United FC at home who have kept just one clean sheet, Sadiku is a great pick considering the number of chances they create.
Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC - Rs 9 crore): The Brazilian striker was excellent against Jamshedpur FC and will be expected to retain his place in the starting XI. He took his goal well and could have had an assist had his teammates finished accurately. Mauricio is always a strong choice when Odisha FC are at home.
Substitutes
Vishal Kaith (Goalkeeper - Rs 5.9 crore): Kaith and Mohun Bagan SG are due a clean sheet and a home against against Mohammedan SC might be the time the Mariners deliver. Their record in Kolkata derbies in ISL is strong and Molina will be expecting a reaction post the 3-0 loss in Bengaluru FC. Mohammedan SC have only scored two goals but are third when it comes to shots taken in the ISL, so Kaith could be in for some save points too. However, he isn’t as attractive as Mitra in MW4 and thus makes the bench
Tiri (Defender - Rs 5.6 crore): Tiri has been exceptional for Mumbai City FC and would have been in the starting XI considering he has two goal contributions to his name already. But up against a red-hot Bengaluru FC, the Islanders who have been fragile defensively may not keep a clean sheet even at home. But his seven points from passes completed and interceptions won earns him a place on the bench.
Rahul Bheke (Defender - Rs 5.1 crore): Bheke has been racking up the points thanks to three clean sheets for Bengaluru FC. He also scored against Hyderabad FC and picked up 8 points for passes completed so far. With Mumbai City FC struggling to defend set-pieces, Bheke is a real goal threat. But after a ten-day break, the ISlanders could put up a much improved show and give the league leaders a hard time. A clean sheet at the Mumbai Football Arena is far from guaranteed, pushing Bheke to the bench.
Bipin Singh (Midfielder - Rs 7 crore): Bipin Singh may not have a goal contribution to his name but has been unlucky not to have recorded his name on the scoresheet. A consistent player for the Islanders, Bipin has a great record at home and has been threatening to do a lot of damage to his opponents. Bipin is second in the league for shots on target (5) this campaign and is likely to make it count soon. It will be a tough ask against BFC who are yet to concede a goal this season, pushing Bipin to the bench.