Bengaluru FC predicted lineup for ISL 2024-25

The Blues have acquired some exciting players and will be the side to beat in the Indian Super League.

Bengaluru FC are yet to win the League Winners’ Shield in the Indian Super League(ISL) after their trophy-winning run in 2018-19. The Blues slipped to an all-time low as they finished 10th in the ISL. 

However, newly appointed coach Gerard Zaragoza is seeking to turn things around in his first full season in charge. To start off, he has made waves in the transfer market with some bold moves. While Javi Hernandez and Slavko Damjanovic seem to be eye-raising departures, he has brought in proven attackers like Edgar Mendez and Jorge Pereyra Diaz. 

Bengaluru FC have also bolstered their midfield with the incoming Pedro Capo. Now, if their Durand Cup performances resemble the manager’s philosophy, it is likely that he will prefer the 4-3-3.

However, on paper, they will field a 4-4-2 with Alberto Noguera possibly operating as a false winger or Mezzala. Let’s see how Bengaluru FC can shape up with their new signings:

Possible formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

The goalkeeping stalwart is expected to form the last line of defense for the Blues, once again. Apart from his insane reflexes, Gerard Zaragoza might have an uncanny use for him. Gurpreet isn’t the best at distribution but chances are that his clearances will be used as a long ball approach for the rapid forwards to run into space. With predatory winger-striker hybrids in Edgar Mendez and Jorge Diaz, midfielders will have ample time and space to pick their pass and set them up to finish moves.

Right-back – Nikhil Poojary

Primarily a winger, Nikhil Poojary can also help out his defence in a fullback role. His capabilities will be a boon for him, as he will essentially be a winger with high rate. Poojary’s effectiveness in attack means he will be trusted with cycling possession out wide and regulating play, much like his inverted counterpart on the other wing, Roshan Singh.

Centre back – Rahul Bheke

The Blues hero’s return could mean that he slots into the centre-back role ahead of Chinglensana Singh. Although he’s primarily a right-back Bheke‘s pace isn’t enough to deal with the current wingers in the league and will be more useful if he plays as a centre-half. His set-piece threat can also make him an unusual frontman to rely on during corners and free kicks. 

Centre back – Aleksandar Jovanovic

Jovanovic is extremely reliable in possession and can cleverly construct short passing moves with his teammates to ease the pressure. The Australian centre-back has also proved to be decisive while defending and competent enough to deal with prolific attackers like Diamantakos and Jason Cummings. Interestingly, Chinglensana could also start in his stead and allow Bengaluru the luxury to unleash Ryan Williams on the wing.

Left-back – Naorem Roshan Singh

The inverted set-piece specialist left-back will be a vital cog for Gerard Zaragoza’s side this season. His exceptional dribbling will ensure that he links the defense to the midfield more often and takes up space on the inside channels. Roshan will also be tasked to take inverted runs as his vision can be an indispensable asset of playmaking in the central region.

Right Midfielder – Harsh Patre

This will be Harsh Patre’s second season in the ISL and has already featured for Bengaluru in the Durand Cup. Patre has showcased that he can be trusted with the ball in tight spaces. Gerard Zaragoza might opt for Ryan Williams over him in wide spaces but he will be given opportunities to sharpen his promising ability for fast decision-making.

Central Defensive Midfielder – Pedro Capo

Bengaluru’s latest Spanish addition is a hybrid midfielder and defender who can help his side in dictating the tempo and halting the opposition. While he isn’t very agile with the ball, his positioning will almost always give the Blues a numerical advantage. Pedro Capo is also an imposing figure at 6’2”, and can easily overpower the generally diminutive midfielders in the league. 

Central Midfielder – Suresh Wangjam

Suresh will have a more box-to-box role in this setup as he will be tasked with marauding up and down the pitch. The 23-year-old’s consistency and versatility will be tested this season but this role also means direct involvement in the scoresheet. Fans can expect him to be among the goals and assists this season or at least portray a high ball-carrying volume and ball-winning rate.

Left Midfielder – Alberto Noguera

Limitless opportunities will present themselves to Alberto Noguera who will be given the license to switch between the number 10 and number eight roles in midfield. Typically a creative midfielder, the Spaniard can also occasionally pop up to score whenever a favorable situation arises. Bengaluru can also profit from him dropping in and out of those positions as it will frequently create space for other players to occupy.

Right Striker – Edgar Mendez

Edgar Mendez will perfectly complement the sheer pace and flair of his strike partner, Diaz. The Spanish winger can be a target man while drifting out wide, just like his Argentine counterpart as well as get himself out of sticky situations with his dribbling. His level-headed finishing will also be a much-welcome attribute as one can expect him to have 5+ goal contributions in his debut season.

Left Striker – Jorge Pereyra Diaz

Nothing needs to be said about the former Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City centre-forward. Diaz has 29 goals and eight assists in only 58 appearances in the league. Those include not only deft finishes but flicks and tricks of all manners. In an era of systematic football, Diaz will add goals to his side while keeping the “Joga Bonito” aspect intact.

Alternate formation: 3-5-2

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Defenders: Rahul Bheke; Aleksander Jovanovic; Chinglensana Singh

Midfielders: Nikhil Poojary; Harsh Patre; Suresh Wangjam; Alberto Noguera; Roshan Singh

Forwards: Edgar Mendez; Jorge Pereyra Diaz

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