ISL 2025-26: Odisha FC predicted lineup for upcoming season

Odisha FC’s first match against Punjab FC has been postponed.

Due to their decision to skip the Durand Cup, the fact that they are the only ISL team not to compete in the 2025–26 AIFF Super Cup, a lengthy preseason delay, and the uncertainty surrounding the location of their home matches, Odisha FC and their fan base have remained in the dark for the past ten months. However, the squad is expected to start preseason on February 17 and play their first ISL 2025-26 match against Inter Kashi FC on February 24.

Setting aside all the problems, let’s examine the decisions taken by the Odisha management with regard to their team and their coach. They had to contend with the departure of Sergio Lobera, who joined ISL champions Mohun Bagan SG. The Juggernauts have brought in T G Purushothaman from Kerala Blasters to take up the position left by the Spaniard. Jo Paul Ancheri, a fellow Malayali and a former Indian international, has been named assistant coach.

In terms of players, they have had to contend with the departures of five foreigners as well as a handful of significant Indian players such as Jerry Lalrinzuala, Jerry Mawia, and Amey Ranawade. They did, however, succeed in bringing in seven domestic players. Carlos Delgado remains the sole international player on the roster for the next ISL season.

In his role as interim head coach with Tomasz Tchorz last season, TG Purushothaman primarily used a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formation. But given Odisha’s limited choices, Purushothaman could have to stick with a 4-3-3, choosing midfield stability over creativity. Here’s how the Juggernauts may line up in the 2025/26 ISL season, given the choices at their disposal.

Also Read: ISL 2025-26: Odisha FC complete squad for upcoming season

Odisha FC Predicted XI (Formation: 4-3-3)

Goalkeeper – Amrinder Singh

After joining Odisha prior to the 2022–2023 ISL season, Amrinder has been one of the first players on the team sheets under a number of different head coaches. Given the dearth of good goal-keeping choices, the captain will continue doing the same under TG Purushothaman. His expertise, leadership, and shot-stopping skills will be critical to Odisha FC’s success in the coming season.

Left Back – Vanlalzuidika

Vanlalzuidika, sometimes referred to simply as Zuidika, joined the club on a free transfer from Mohammedan SC. He is expected to fill the void left by Jerry Mawia at left back. Despite Mohammedan’s defensive troubles last season, Zuidika excelled with his intensity down the flanks and defensive consistency, earning interest from a number of clubs before joining Odisha FC. He is anticipated to start ahead of Saviour Gama owing to his physical strength.

Centre Back – Caros Delgado

There isn’t much of an explanation required to justify choosing someone of Carlos Delgado’s caliber. Delgado, a club legend who has chosen to remain with the squad in spite of the uncertainty, will be the captain and the first player listed on the team sheet when fit. Along with his defensive responsibilities, the Spaniard must also organize his defense and ensure that they play as a cohesive team.

Centre Back – Thoiba Singh

Despite being a defensive midfielder by trade, Sergio Lobera has transformed Thoiba into a full-time center back during his two-year tenure with Odisha FC. Thoiba’s height is a limitation for a center defender, but he compensates for it with his outstanding ability to win the majority of ground duels. Last season, he was second only to Fall in the Juggernauts’ clearance figures. Purushothaman will choose Thoiba and Delgado since they have past experience playing together.

Right Back – Saurabh Bhanwala

Saurabh Bhanwala, similar to Zuidika, is another Indian fullback who signed with the Juggernauts last summer despite interest from other ISL clubs. Saurabh, who was a member of Mohun Bagan’s double-winning campaign, demonstrated his skills during the 2025 Super Cup due to restricted playing time in the ISL. Saurabh, who stands at 190 cm, poses a good aerial threat and is a solid defender owing to his strength and robust tackles.

Defensive Midfield – Hitesh Sharma

Once one of Indian football’s most sought-after midfielders, Hitesh Sharma’s decline after leaving Hyderabad FC has to be examined. Hitesh, who spent last season on loan with Mumbai City FC, has returned to the Juggernauts for the upcoming season. This season will be an excellent opportunity for Hitesh to play more minutes and reach his full potential. Let’s hope we see the Hitesh we used to love watch play, with his line-breaking passes, ability to manage midfield tempo, and ability to regain possession.

Centre Midfield – Puitea

Even if Odisha had six foreigners and a great roster with all vital players, Puitea would continue to start in the midfield, as he has for the past two seasons. Puitea, a fantastic box-to-box midfielder who relentlessly sprints up and down the pitch for the entire ninety minutes, is the team’s engine. His natural tendency to constantly seek forward passes with great accuracy and his willingness to move forward with the ball will be crucial in connecting the attack and midfield.

Odisha FC predicted line-up for ISL 2025-26 season

Centre Midfield – Rohit Kumar

Rohit Kumar, who played the most of his minutes off the bench last season, will be a started for Odisha FC this season. The absence of physicality in Odisha’s midfield following Ahmed Jahouh’s departure is exactly why Rohit may be crucial. Despite his lack of passing ability, the former Bengaluru FC midfielder performs the hard job of gaining the ball back and committing tactical fouls. He could also score a few goals from set pieces.

Left Wing – Isak Vanlalruatfela

Every Odisha FC supporter would have missed watching Isak play football in the last 10 months. Everything about him—his speed, dribbles, trickery, shots—makes him a whole package. He is undoubtedly one of those players who people would pay to watch. With Jerry, Boumous, Roy Krishna, and Diego Mauricio departing, all eyes will be on Isak to lead the Odisha attack. TG Purushothaman will be banking on him to both score and create opportunities.

Right Wing – Rahul KP

Despite joining the club halfway through the season, Rahul KP established himself as a starter under then-head coach Sergio Lobera. Following that, he played for West Ham United FC in the USA’s 2025 TST (The Soccer Tournament). Rahul, who is renowned for his trickery and quick sprints down the flanks, has frequently fallen short in terms of goals and assists. And in a season where there is no foreign attacker, there would be huge responsibility on Rahul KP to deliver more end product.

Striker – Rahim Ali

Odisha FC fans may be familiar with Rahim Ali, the right-back, whom Lobera used in a defensive role last season. But they need Rahim Ali, the striker, this season. Rahim, previously regarded as the next big thing and Chennaiyin FC’s long-term Jeje successor, has fallen short of his promise. At club level, he has usually played as a winger and has never had a continuous stretch of games as a striker. Rahim, who is still only 25, might have a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate his potential this season.

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