As Chennaiyin FC get set to defend their Hero Indian Super League crown, confidence within the Super Machans ranks has never been higher. Their late surge to the coveted trophy last year didn’t just exorcise the demons of their heart-breaking loss to Kerala Blasters FC in the semis of Hero ISL 2014 but it also marked one of the most remarkable comebacks in the history of the league after the southern-outfit found themselves rock-bottom of the league halfway through the season.

A model of consistency, perhaps best exemplified by head coach Marco Materazzi who will be returning for a third consecutive season with the team, Chennaiyin FC have never failed to qualify for the semi-final stage of the league. Continuity has been the key for the Super Machans since the inception of the league in 2014 as they once again look to keep the majority of their squad together. Materazzi’s charismatic personality and shrewd tactics have turned Chennaiyin into a cohesive well-oiled machine that will definitely take some beating this season. And judging by his side’s pre-season showing in Italy that saw them win three consecutive matches, it is safe to say that they will once again be one of the title favourites.

Strengths:

As alluded to earlier, continuity, in terms of their backroom staff and re-signing key players that formed the spine of the side over the last two seasons, is a massive plus for the defending champions. Marquee signing John Arne Riise will add to an already tight defensive unit that ended last season as the league’s meanest defence. He along with Bernard Mendy at centre-back will surely pose a towering presence for opposition attackers to contend with. Equally efficient in attack, the Super Machans head into the new season as the top-scorers in the league’s history (59 goals). With strikers like India’s golden boy Jeje Lalpekhlua ready to lead the line alongside veteran Italian frontman Davide Succi, Materazzi’s men will once again be expected to top the scoring charts. Raphael Augusto’s influence in midfield will also have a major say in his side’s fortunes just as it did last year.

Weaknesses:

While they have re-signed most of their title-winning players from last season, a few key individuals from last year have not returned to the Chennaiyin fold for Hero ISL 2016. Bruno Pelissari has changed allegiances and joined Delhi Dynamos FC ahead of the new season, but it’s the absence of their Golden Boot winners from the previous two seasons of the league that could hurt them the most. Elano won the Golden Boot in Hero ISL 2014 and Stiven Mendoza won it for them in Hero ISL 2015. Their combined tally of 29 goals for Chennaiyin can be a major cause of concern if their new recruits fail to take on the mantle quickly.

Players to watch out for:

While Jeje is the obvious star of the team, new additions like Succi, Maurizio Peluso and Dudu Omagbemi, who netted a hat-trick for FC Goa last season, can be expected to wreak havoc in the opposition’s penalty box. Youngsters Jayesh Rane, Uttam Rai and Siam Hanghal will also be looking to make a breakthrough this year. Further additions in the form of Baljit Sahni and Hans Mulder will definitely help strengthen their midfield as well.

New singings: Duwayne Kerr, Eli Sabia, Jerry Lalrinzuala, John Arne Riise, Nallappan Mohanraj, Baljit Sahni, Hans Mulder, Siam Hanghal, Uttam Rai, Davide Succi, Maurizio Peluso, Dudu Omagbemi, Bedashwor Singh

Coach: Marco Materazzi

Goalkeepers: Karanjit Singh, Pawan Kumar, Duwayne Kerr

Defenders: Bernard Mendy, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Nallappan Mohanraj, Eli Sabia, Eder Monterio, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Abhishek Das, John Arne Riise

Midfielders: Baljit Sahni, Hans Mulder, Manuele Blasi, Thoi Singh, Raphael Augusto, Harmanjot Singh Khabra, Dhanpal Ganesh

Forwards: Davide Succi, Maurizio Peluso, Bedashwor Singh, Uttam Rai, Jeje Lalpekhlua

Prediction: With most of their title winning side still intact and the addition of firepower up front to compensate for the absence of Mendoza, a third successive semi-final appearance can’t be ruled out.