FC Pune City fans will be hoping for a strong third season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) after underwhelming campaigns in its past two editions saw them finish sixth and seventh respectively. They played under the tutelage of Franco Colomba in the inaugural edition of the league and failed to make the semis in spite of having FIFA World Cup winner David Trezeguet spearheading their attack. The second season saw them make a good start to the league under the guidance of David Platt.Their strong start meant that they were one of the favourites to make the semis. However, a complete collapse towards the latter half of the league stage saw them plummet in spectacular fashion to finish the season in seventh position. FC Pune City fans will be hoping that their side puts on a much-improved showing under the mentorship of experienced Hero ISL campaigner head coach Antonio Habas this season. They will be looking to play as a collective and cohesive unit after learning that star names like Trezeguet and Adrian Mutu don't necessarily guarantee success.Strengths:Shoring up their defence ahead of the new season was absolutely essential for the Stallions after finishing last year with the league's third worst defensive record. The addition of Indian internationals Augustine Fernandes and Narayan Das is certain to strengthen their backline considerably this season. Another boost comes in the form of Edel Bete, who has never been part of a Hero ISL campaign that hasn't ended in glory. All things considered, however, it can be argued that their biggest signing has come in the managerial department in the form of new head coach Habas. He won the inaugural edition of the league with Atlético de Kolkata and can be expected to turn the Maharashtra-outfit into title contenders this year with his passionate and fiery style of management.Weaknesses:One major area of concern over both the previous two editions of the Hero ISL for FC Pune City has been goal-scoring. They managed to score just 17 goals last year and have netted a total of 29 times over the course of the past two seasons. If they are to improve this season, someone will have to take up the goal-scoring responsibility. Their top-scorers over the past two seasons haven't scored more than four goals - Kostas Katsouranis in 2014 and Kalu Uche and Mutu in 2015 - and that goes on to highlight their deficiencies in front of goal.Players to watch out for:Additions in the form of Bruno Arias, Jonatan Lucca, Sanju Pradhan, Pitu and Arata Izumi will all bring a lot of creative invention to FC Pune City's midfield. Arias will be enjoying his third season in the Hero ISL and his tendency to find the back of the net now and then will also stand the Stallions in good stead. Pradhan is another man to watch out for this year with his adventurous wing-play capable of hurting opponents.New signings: Zodingliana Ralte, Vishal Kaith, Rahul Bheke, Arata Izumi, Sanju Pradhan, Yumnam Raju, Narayan Das, Augustine Fernandes, Jonathan Lucca, Francis Fernandes, Bruno Arias, Eduardo Ferreira, Momar Ndoye, Apoula Edel Bete, Josep María Comadevall Crous (Pitu), Anibal Zurdo Rodriguez, Gustavo Oberman.Coach: Antonio HabasGoalkeepers: Edel Bete, Arindam Bhattacharya, Vishal KaithDefenders: Zodingliana Ralte, Vishal Kaith, Rahul Bheke, Yumnam Raju, Narayan Das, Augustine Fernandes, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Eduardo Ferreira, Gouramangi Singh,Midfielders: Arata Izumi, Jonathan Lucca, Francis Fernandes, Bruno Arias, Josep María Comadevall Crous (Pitu), Lenny Rodrigues, Manish Maithani, Momar Ndoye, Sanju PradhanForwards: Anibal Zurdo Rodriguez, Gustavo Oberman, Jesus Rodriguez TatoPrediction:With a much stronger defence and midfield in place this year as well as the influence of head coach Habas, who has never failed to qualify for the semis of the Hero ISL, this could be the Stallions' best season yet as they hope to make their maiden semis appearance this year as a minimum target.
