The countdown to the start of the 2016 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) has begun, and fans all across the world are gearing up for another exciting season of the best footballing action the sub-continent has to offer.FC Goa made their second straight semis appearance last year losing to eventual champions Chennaiyin FC. The Goan outfit has re-signed legendary Brazilian Zico to lead the team for the third consecutive season, and there is this feeling that the Gaurs have some unfinished business to take care of, after narrowly missing out on the Hero ISL trophy last year.They have bolstered their squad by adding a host of players in various positions, and these are some impressive names who are likely to leave their mark on the Gaurs’ campaign indelibly.Strengths:Renowned for their attacking style of play, there is a heavy Samba influence in the squad, with coach Zico and a host of other Brazilians representing the Gaurs. They also have an experienced and consistent wing-play set-up in place with Romeo Fernandes and Mandar Rao Dessai taking the lead there for their home state. Along with Spanish midfielder Joffre in the centre pulling the strings in attack, the Goans have a team that has played together for a significant period and the players know each other very well. New signing Robin Singh can easily add the finishing touch necessary at the end of this fluid attack system.The Gaurs’ attack is complemented by an experienced defence, with marquee player and captain Lucio at the heart of it, along with defensive mainstay Gregory Arnolin, who has been with the Gaurs from day one. In keeping with the attacking style of play, the defenders have also been seen making forward runs to help the team in attack, and have chipped in with vital goals.It’s a well-rounded team set to mount an assault on the title.Weaknesses:In terms of weakness, the only one weakness FC Goa have to be worried about is their tendency to completely switch off at times, especially during important stages of a match. They would need to keep the concentration and motivation levels up till the final whistle is blown to get them all the way to the end of the league. By keeping a core that is experienced, they seem to have addressed the issue.New signings: Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, Sukhdev Patil, Denzil Franco, Fulganco Cardozo, Rafael Dumas, Sanjay Balmuchu, Pratesh Shirodkar, Richarlyson, Sahil Tavora, Trindade Goncalves.Players to watch out for:Goa have wisely re-signed their main players from the last season, and the players to watch out for this year are mostly the same as last year. Captain and marquee player Lucio, defender Arnolin, midfielders Joffre, Dessai, Romeo, and forwards Reinaldo and Coelho. Coelho, who joined them mid-way through last season, was very lively in the games he played and would want to carry that form into this season as well. Joining him up front will be Robin Singh who was very impressive for Delhi Dynamos FC with four goals last season.Full squad (as of September 27):Head coach: ZicoGoalkeepers: Laxmikanth Kattimani, Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, Sukhdev Patil.Defenders: Lucio (C), Debabrata Roy, Denzil Franco, Fulganco Cardozo, Gregory Arnolin, Keenan Almeida, Luciano Sobrosa, Rafael Dumas, Raju Gaikwad, Sanjay Balmuchu.Midfielders: Joffre, Mandar Rao Dessai, Pratesh Shirodkar, Richarlyson, Romeo Fernandes, Sahil Tavora, Trindade Goncalves.Forwards: Julio Cesar, Rafael Coelho, Reinaldo, Robin Singh.Prediction: Like previous two seasons, they once again have the team to beat. They are expected to reach the semis but the big question is: can they go beyond and win the trophy?
