Mumbai City FC fans have had very little to cheer about over the past two seasons of the Indian Super League (ISL). In 2014, they did make all the right noises by roping in French star Nicolas Anelka and Swedish legend Freddie Ljungberg, but as the campaign unfolded it went all downhill, with the team finishing seventh in the league. 2015 was no different with the team again coming a cropper with exactly the same number of wins (4), losses (4), draws (6) and points (16) as the previous year, albeit with a marginal increase in their table position at sixth. Thus, the team so far has been among the also-rans of the league, something they would like to change this season.The first sign of intent for this season came with the roping in of Costa Rican Alexandre Guimarães as head coach. And then the big signing of Uruguayan legend Diego Forlan made it clear that Mumbai were ready to shed their past baggage and turn things around for themselves.Strengths: Diego Forlan, the name speaks for itself. His combination with Haitian Sony Norde will be an exciting prospect for Mumbai City fans. MCFC have strengthened their squad considerably, especially at the back. The arrival of Roberto Volpato Neto is one such move. The custodian has tons of experience and will bring stability. Anwar Ali, Aiborlang Khongjee and Lucian Goian also add much-needed steel to a back-line which has a nice blend of youth and experience.Weaknesses: Despite the rocky presence of Pronay Halder and the exciting Jackichand Singh, Mumbai City’s midfield looks a little thin. The other options haven’t exactly set the league on fire previously or have no or little experience of playing in India. This might prove to be a big problem. They will have to address it if the team hopes to improve its fortunes significantly.New Signings: Roberto Volpato Neto, Gerson Vieira, Lucian Goian, Facundo Cardozo, Anwar Ali, Aiborlang Khongjee, Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte, Munmun Timothy Lugun, Gaston Sangoy, Krisztian Vadocz, Leo Costa, Jackichand Singh, Pronay Halder, Sehnaj Singh, Boithang Haokip, David Lalrinmuana, Rakesh Oram, Diego Forlan, Matias Defederico, Otacilio Brito AlvesPlayers to watch out for: Forlan, as expected, will be the player who will have all eyes on himself and his combination with Norde, who scored three goals and provided three assists last season, might set the ball rolling for Mumbai City. Halder and Haokip can be tough cookies for opponents too.Full Squad:Head coach: Alexandre GuimarãesGoalkeepers: Roberto Volpato Neto, Albino GomesDefenders: Gerson Vieira, Lucian Goian, Facundo Cardozo, Anwar Ali, Aiborlang Khongjee, Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai, Munmun Timothy Lugun, Ashutosh MehtaMidfielders: Krisztian Vadocz, Leo Costa, Jackichand Singh, Pronay Halder, Sehnaj Singh, Boithang Haokip, David Lalrinmuana, Rakesh Oram, Matias Defederico, Otacilio Brito Alves, Sony NordeForwards: Diego Forlan, Gaston SangoyPrediction: The forward line is quite explosive, while the back-line is solid enough. If the midfield can play to potential and the team can overcome its newness fast, then better days are ahead for Mumbai City.
