ISL 2025-26: Bengaluru FC’s predicted Line-up for upcoming season
Bengaluru FC gear up for the new season, as they test their fortune against Sporting Club Delhi at first
With the 2025-26 Indian Super League season around the corner, Bengaluru FC enter the campaign with quiet determination. After narrowly missing out on silverware in recent seasons and undergoing calculated squad adjustments, the Blues appear structurally stronger and tactically clearer.
Expectations are naturally high. The fanbase demands consistency, especially after seasons where promising phases faded due to lapses in concentration and squad imbalance. The recruitment this window reflects a clear intent: reinforce the defensive spine, inject creativity centrally, and add pace in wide areas.
On paper, Bengaluru FC look balanced. A 4-3-3 system appears the most logical setup – allowing midfield control, defensive compactness, and attacking width.
Bengaluru FC Predicted Line-up (Formation: 4-3-3)
Goalkeeper – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
There is no debate here. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu remains the undisputed No.1. His leadership, reflexes, and command of the penalty area continue to anchor Bengaluru’s defensive structure.
Beyond shot-stopping, Gurpreet’s distribution has become increasingly important in initiating build-up play. For a team that wants controlled possession phases, his composure will be critical.
Right Back – Nikhil Poojary
Explosive and tactically disciplined, Nikhil Poojary offers vertical thrust from deep. His recovery pace allows Bengaluru to maintain a relatively high defensive line without being overly exposed in transitions.
In a 4-3-3, his overlapping runs will stretch opposition backlines, especially when the right winger drifts inside.
Centre Back – Rahul Bheke
The captain and defensive organizer, Rahul Bheke brings experience and positional intelligence. Strong in reading the game and disciplined in maintaining defensive shape, he remains a cornerstone in Bengaluru’s backline.
His leadership ensures structural compactness during high-pressure phases.
Centre Back – Chinglensana Singh
Physical, aerially dominant, and aggressive in duels, Chinglensana complements Bheke well. He thrives in one-on-one battles and provides stability during defensive transitions.
Together, this pairing offers a blend of composure and physicality.
Left Back – Roshan Singh Naorem
One of the most dynamic Indian full-backs in the league, Roshan adds relentless energy on the flank. His ability to contribute offensively while remaining defensively responsible makes him indispensable.
Roshan’s crossing ability and overlapping runs could become a major attacking outlet this season.
Defensive Midfield – Suresh Singh Wangjam
At the base of midfield, Suresh Singh Wangjam operates as the ball-winning pivot. His pressing intensity, interceptions, and positional awareness shield the back four effectively.
He provides the defensive foundation that allows creative midfielders to operate higher up the pitch.
Central Midfield – Sirojiddin Kuziev
A technically sound and physically imposing presence, Kuziev brings balance to midfield. Comfortable receiving under pressure, he progresses the ball forward and supports both defensive and attacking phases.
His ability to switch play and dictate tempo adds tactical flexibility.
Attacking Midfield – Brian Sánchez
Sánchez is expected to function as the creative fulcrum. Operating between the lines, he provides incisive passes and vision in tight spaces.
His role will be crucial in unlocking compact defensive blocks – an area where Bengaluru have previously struggled.
Right Wing – Ryan Williams
Direct and aggressive, Williams offers pace and verticality. His ability to stretch defences and attack isolated full-backs makes him a consistent threat in transition.
Defensively, his work rate helps maintain compact shape when possession is lost.
Left Wing – Ashique Kuruniyan
The return of Ashique Kuruniyan injects explosiveness on the left flank. Known for his dribbling and acceleration, Ashique thrives in one-versus-one situations.
His ability to cut inside or deliver early crosses provides unpredictability.
Centre Forward – Sunil Chhetri
Even as the league evolves, Sunil Chhetri remains the emotional and tactical leader. His movement inside the box, intelligent positioning, and finishing instincts continue to define Bengaluru’s attacking identity.
Chhetri may not rely purely on pace anymore, but his reading of space and ability to deliver in decisive moments remain elite.
The key for Bengaluru FC this season will be consistency. The squad has depth and a clear tactical blueprint. If midfield cohesion develops early and wide players contribute regularly in goals and assists, the Blues possess the structural quality to mount a serious challenge in ISL 2025-26.
The ingredients are there. Now it’s about execution.
When does Bengaluru FC’s ISL 2025-26 season begin?
Bengaluru FC’s first match of the Indian Super League season is on 15 February 2026.
Who do they play in their first match?
Their opening fixture is Bengaluru FC vs Sporting Club Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, kicking off at 7:30 PM IST.
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Rohit Mistri is a sports journalist from Kolkata with over two years of experience in the field. He has extensively covered Indian football, including major tournaments such as the Calcutta Football League and the Indian Super League. His work spans on-ground reporting, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling, along with interviews of prominent sporting personalities. Rohit brings strong communication skills and a deep passion for sports narratives to everything he writes.