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Two of the best teams in India will clash against each other on Sunday for the Hero Federation Cup final. Both Bengaluru FC and Dempo SC have remained unbeaten so far in the tournament. In this clash of the titans, it is extremely difficult to predict a winner. Both the teams hold a very balanced squad with a number of quality players in their ranks. It is going to be a mouthwatering clash.
Venue
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, also known as the Fatorda Stadium is located in Margao, Goa and is a multi-purpose stadium, which has been host to a number of international cricket and football games. Goa has been on a splurge to bring into existence more state of the art grounds, but as it stands, Jawaharlal Nehru or the Fatorda Stadium is the only international venue in the state having a seating capacity of 24,500.
Kick-Off – 4:00 pm (Sunday)
Probable Line-Ups and Team News
Bengaluru FC (4-3-3): Lalthuammawia Ralte, Rino Anto, John Johnson, Curtis Osano, Keegan Pereira, Siam Hangal, Eugenson Lyngdoh, Josh Walker, Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh, Sean Rooney.
Key Players:
Sunil Chhetri, Sean Rooney, John Johnson
Dempo SC (4-4-1-1): Laxmikant Kattimani, Rowilson Rodrigues, Fulganco Cardozo, Haroon Fakhruddin, Clifford Miranda, Lenny Rodirgues, Jewel Raja, Francis Fernandes, Mandar Rao Desai, Romeo Fernandes, Tolgay Ozbey
Key Players:
Tolgay Ozbey, Romeo Fernandes, Haroon Fakhruddin
Form Guide in Federation Cup
Bengaluru FC: W-D-W-W-W
Dempo SC: W-W-W-D-W
Key Battles
Sunil Chhetri vs Haroon FakhruddinBengaluru Fc’s captain Sunil Chhetri is the key man in the team. The Indian captain is the top scorer in the tournament jointly with Dempo’s Tolagay Ozbey. Both the players have scored 5 goals each. In the last match, against Sporting Clube de Goa, he scored a blinder of a goal. Sunil Chhetri is playing down the left flank. He is creating chances scoring goals and acting as talisman in the team. Dempo’s Afghani defender Haroon Fakhruddin, who has been simply outstanding throughout the tournament, will have to keep a close eye on Chhetri.
Tolgay Ozbey vs John Johnson
Tolgay Ozbey is one of the finest foreign recruits to have come to India in recent time. The Australian striker has graceful moves and is extremely skilful. More importantly he is a prolific scorer. Tolgay is at the top of the highest goalscorers list with Sunil Chhetri with 5 goals from 3 games. He is scored one hat-trick against Sporting Clube de Goa in the group stage and a brace in the semi-final against Salgaocar. Ashley Westwood’s men should keep a close eye on Ozbey. John Johnson is an extremely talented defender and Westwood would want his best defender to mark the opponent’s best attacker.
Prediction
Dempo SC 2-2 Bengaluru FC (Victory for Dempo in the tie-breaker)
It is extremely difficult to predict the full-time score when two of India’s best teams clash. Both the teams are in sublime form and have remained unbeaten for the entire tournament. I predict a tie among the two in the ninety minutes and a possible victory for Dempo in the tie-breaker.
