Odisha FC's predicted lineup for ISL 2024-25

Sergio Lobera will be looking to turn Odisha FC into a title contender this season.

With the new season of the Indian Super League(ISL) set to begin on 13 September, clubs are on the verge of completing their signings while most of them have also kicked off their full-fledged pre-season preparations. Similarly, Odisha FC have also entered the build-up phase for the upcoming season led by head coach Sergio Lobera.

Last season, Odisha had a satisfactory campaign across both the ISL and the AFC Cup. They finished fourth in the league phase of ISL, whereas in the AFC Cup, they qualified for the knockouts by topping Group D despite a poor start. However, their good run in the continental club competition ended after a defeat to Central Coast Mariners of Australia in the Inter zonal play-off semi-finals.

With ambitions to improve on last season’s performances, Odisha’s management have taken some important decisions for the 2024-25 ISL Season. They have not only extended Sergio Lobera’s contract until 2026 but also signed some key players like Hugo Boumous, Raynier Fernandes, and Rohit Kumar who will help strengthen the squad.

It will be interesting to see how the Odisha squad, which comprises a lot of high-profile names, performs in the season to come.

Here’s how Odisha FC could line up for the next season under the Spanish tactician.

Possible formation (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper – Amrinder Singh

Amrinder Singh is by far the most experienced goalkeeper in Odisha FC’s squad. It’s quite certain that he will lead their lineup from the back. The 31-year-old goalkeeper has experience playing for top clubs in the ISL and also representing the national team 13 times. Though there was a slight dip in his form last season, Lobera will continue to keep his faith in the experienced custodian’s quick reflexes to produce decisive saves going forward into the season.

Right Back – Amey Ranawade

With stringent options available for Lobera on the right side of the defence, Amey Ranawade is very likely to take up that role. His performances in the past few seasons have been very consistent and the team management will hope that he brings the best out of him once again and helps the defence in linking up with the midfield in the new season.

Centre Back – Narender Gahlot

In the 2023-24 season, Gahlot clocked over 1000 minutes playing as a centre-back and was one of the top contributors to Odisha FC’s successes across both ISL and AFC Cup. In the upcoming season too, Lobera will put his faith in him to pair up with Delgado in the central defence. Gehlot’s excellent ball-playing abilities and tactical awareness will be very crucial as Lobera likes his team to build up from the back.

Centre-Back – Carlos Delgado

Carlos Delgado is one of the most experienced foreign centre-backs in ISL and the upcoming season will be his fourth season with Odisha FC. Delgado brings leadership qualities and composure to the Juggernauts’ backline. In 24 appearances last season, he made 33 interceptions and helped Odisha in keeping 8 clean sheets. Fans will hope that he replicates his last season’s heroics in the 2023-24 season too.

Left-Back – Jerry Lalrinzuala

Jerry is someone who has experience of playing over 100 matches in the ISL and will be the most reliable option for Lobera on the left side of the defence. He has been a consistent performer throughout the years for whichever clubs he played for. The 26-year-old can also operate as a wingback and put in vital crosses in the final third. With an excellent sense of positioning and passing ability, he is going to fit very well with Lobera’s style of play.

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Central Defensive Midfielder – Ahmed Jahouh

There cannot be any doubt in the fact that Ahmed Jahouh is one of the best defensive midfielders in ISL. The way he controls the tempo of the game from the deep channels is a treat to watch even for opposition teams’ fans. His pinpoint long passes from the back will be crucial for Odisha FC to have a successful campaign.

Central Defensive Midfielder – Puitea

Midfield is one of the most important positions in modern football and with the likes of Rohit Kumar and Raynier Fernandes joining, Lobera would find it challenging to pick one for this spot. However, with the consistent performances Puitea delivered last season by pairing up with Jahouh, it should be enough for him to keep his place in Lobera’s starting 11.

Right Midfielder – Jerry Mawihmingthanga

Jerry Mawihmingthanga has been with Odisha FC for a long time. Though the former India U-23 player wasn’t very consistent last season, he understands the game well and has performed decently on the right wing. With his high work rate, Lobera will want him to support the attack while also tracking back to help the defence whenever needed.

Central Attacking Midfielder – Hugo Boumous

Hugo Boumous‘ last season might not have gone as he would have expected but he will be raring to make a solid comeback with the Kalinga Warriors as he reunites with Lobera. The best playmaker in the ISL will undoubtedly be a game-changer for Lobera’s side and will have the responsibility of creating chances for his teammates.

Left Midfielder – Isak Vanlalruatfela

Young forward Isak Vanlalruatfela is expected to start on the left wing for Odisha FC. Lobera will look to utilize his creativity and pace in the attacking third. This will be Isak’s fifth season with the Odisha side. The Mizo winger was also recently called up to the national team camp due to his impressive showing last season.

Striker – Roy Krishna

Roy Krishna recently signed a one-year extension with Odisha FC. He will likely lead Odisha’s attack, although there will be tough competition from Diego Mauricio. Last season, Krishna was among the top goal-scorers in the league having scored 13 goals and also assisted thrice. Every club in the ISL is well aware of his striking capabilities and this proves how big of a threat he can be to opponents.

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