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Team News
East Bengal
Experienced goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal is expected to keep his place in the team despite the error that led to Dempo’s second goal last week. Young Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has paid the price for his mistakes against Semen Padang and Kuwait SC and Falopa would be hoping for a flawless display from Abhijit, who has played in AFC Cup semi-finals before with Dempo.
The big surprise could be at rightback as 22-year-old Abhishek Das could start instead of Naoba Singh who had a nightmare outing against Dempo and was poor in the first leg against Kuwait SC also. The experienced Harmanjot Khabra is also an option in that position but Falopa is likely to opt for the inexperienced Abhishek, who unlike Khabra is a natural right back.
The rest of the team picks itself with Joaquim Abranches expected to start in right midfield but it will be interesting to see whether Edeh Chidi and James Moga both start together upfront or if Chidi plays in a withdrawn role so that East Bengal don’t get outnumbered in midfield.
Possible XI: Abhijit Mondal; Abhishek Das, Arnab Mondal, Uga Okpara, Saumik Dey;Joaquim Abranches, Mehtab Hossain, Cavin Lobo, Lalrindika Ralte; Edeh Chidi, James Moga.
Kuwait SC
Kuwait SC coach Ion is expected to retain the same midfield and attack from the first leg with Abdullah Al Buraiki at the top of the diamond in midfield supporting forwards Rogerinho and Issam Jemaa. But there could be a couple of changes in defence.
Sami Al Sanea looked brilliant going forward but was badly exposed defensively by Lalrindika Ralte in the second half of the first leg and thus he could make way for Fahad Awadh.
There is a slight injury worry with central defender Hussain Hakem so Fahad Hamoud could be given a starting berth especially after his timely brace in the 4-3 win over Al Salmiyah last Friday.
Midfielder Fahad Al Enezi is also the notable absentee from the squad due to injury. Due to the unfamiliarity with the artificial turf, Ion might make early substitutions in the second half so the likes of Abdulhadi Khamis and Ali Al Kandari could play a key role if needed.
Possible XI: Musab Alkandari; Fahad Awadh, Hussain Ali Baba, Fahad Hamoud, Jarah Al Ateeqi; Shereedah Al Shereedah, Waleed Ali, Chadi Hammami, Abdullah Al Buraiki; Rogerinho, Issam Jemaa.
Player To Watch
East Bengal – Edeh Chidi
East Bengal need Chidi to performPhoto Credit: WSG
East Bengal’s top scorer last season has netted only once in the last five games but has looked a threat in all the AFC Cup knockout games and will be determined to add to his tally of six in this competition especially after the penalty miss against Dempo.
If Chidi performs, East Bengal have every chance of causing an upset.
Kuwait SC – Issam Jemaa
Issam Jemaa bagged a brace in the first legPhoto Credit: WSG
Tunisia’s all-time highest scorer is almost certain to finish as this season’s AFC Cup top scorer with 15 goals already.
Next month might turn out to be the most special of his career as he could both win his second AFC Cup and qualify for the 2014 World Cup. But the first of those targets requires a good display from Jemaa in this game.
