As the new season of I-League dawns upon us, Goal.com's Debjit Lahiri takes a look on where the teams stand with their strengths and weaknesses...

By Debjit Lahiri

AIFF

It's the new beginning. The start of India's elite most league dawns upon us! Yes, you guessed it right, the much anticipated I-League is now just less than 24 hours away.

With the country's best 14 teams all geared up to lock horns in the most grandest of stage in Indian Football, all we could expect is yet another action packed season thrills, spills and 'desi football'.

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So,without further ado, we at Goal.com drop in a brief look into the 'Big 6' of Indian Football, in terms of where they stand, their strengths and weaknesses and the key personnel in their line-up. Here we go..

SALGAOCAR SC | THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS

The champions and the holders of the I-League will be upbeat after their recent triumph in the Federation Cup and will do all they can to retain their coveted title.

Strengths:

Organized team with a stable unit in all the departments.
Master tactician Karim Bencherifa at helm.
A sound off-field structure;away from unnecessary controversies that may affect the team morale.

Weakness:

From underdogs to favourites, Can the pressure weigh them down this season?

Key Players:

Karanjit Singh, Luciano Sabrosa, Ryuji Sueoka, Gilbert Oliviera, Rocus Lamare

EAST BENGAL | THE RED AND GOLD BRIGADE

The Runners-Up of last season, East Bengal will be eager to go one better this time. It has been some time, since the national title has come to the big boys of Bengal, and it is the red and gold brigade who look likelier to end the drought.

Strengths:

Once again an organized team, be it defence, attack or midfield, with the core of the team mostly intact from last season.
Trever Morgan's calming influence might well be a big factor.
The massive home support of passionate fans should help the side to motivate.

Weakness:

However, over-expectations from fans can also be a burden.
Over-dependency on Mehtab Hussain in the midfield.
The goal-keeping section being shaky.

Key Players:

Mehtab Hussain,Tolgay Ozbey,Robin Singh,Uga Okpara, Reisangmi Vashum

DEMPO SC | THE 'TEAM CONSISTENT'

Arguably the most consistent team in the I-League over the past five years, the Goans are all set to reassert their claim on the I-League title.

Strengths:

An exceptionally strong set of Indian players, with vast international experience.
The return of coach Armando Colaco from national duty.
Having won the league twice in four years, they are well equipped to handle the pressure at the top most level.

Weakness:

Slightly dicey set of foreign players and NO BETO.
A poor Federation Cup in the run up to the I-League, might well hinder their confidence

Key Players:

Mahesh Gawli, Ranti Martins, Peter Carvalho, Anthony Pereira, Climax Lawrence.

CHURCHILL BROTHERS | GOAN DYNAMITES

The 2009-10 champions have done some good bit of business after their disappointing last season, and with an inspirational Durand Cup win under their belt a week ago, the Goan giants are ready to go that extra mile this time around.

Strengths:

A strong set of foreign players, most notably BETO.
Manuel Gomes, a coach with vast experience in Europe, including in clubs like Benfica, will be an asset.

Weakness:

With an extensive re-building done with the team, the players may take time to settle and gel in.
The departure of Odafa Okolie might just dent the attacking edge of the team.

Key Players:

Henry Antchouet,Roberto Mendes Silva, Steven Dias, Antun Kovacic, Gouramangi Moirangthem.

MOHUN BAGAN AC | THE MARINERS

The big boys from Kolkata has had a rough run lately,which has also seen their former coach Steve Darby resign, but counting out Mohun Bagan is like bringing about one's own peril!

Strengths:

Star-studded line up with a lot of big names who on their days are the best in the game.
The massive home support to pump the team up.
A lethal attacking line-up that can give any defence in the league nightmares

Weakness:

To many off-field problems and controversies! The team morale is definitely down.
A shaky defensive line-up.
Too much of expectations from fans as well as the board weighing down the players.
The risk of ending up as 'paper tigers' !

Key Players:

Odafa Okolie, Jose Ramirez Baretto, Sunil Chhetri, Syed Rahim Nabi, Manish Maithani.

PUNE FC | THE RED LIZARDS

The new boys in the town, Pune FC is one of the best run sides in the league and gives the I-League a fresh new perspective. A team on the rise, they are the ultimate 'dark horses' for the title!

Strengths:

Solid goalkeeping and defensive unit.
Abundance of exciting young prospects who can make it big this time around.

Weakness:

Lack of experience and depth in the line-up.
Comparatively less used to long enduring title races and their long term sustainability could be exploited. Although they have finished in the top 3 earlier, the final push may be a bit difficult for them.

Key Players:

Anas Edathodika, Jeje Lalpekhlua ,Subrata Paul, Douhou Pierre, Baldeep Singh.