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The final fixture of Super Cup 2018 will witness an I-League side take on an Indian Super League (ISL) club. East Bengal will come to grips with Bengaluru FC to contend for victory and clinch the Super Cup.
The replacement of the Federations Cup in India that has been hyped between the two top leagues of the country – the I-League and the ISL, has reached its final stage. The battle for the prize between the two arch-rivals that go long back is all set to take place at the Kalinga Stadium in Odisha.
The Indian Super Cup had the fans witness some beautiful display of football, and it has finally come down to the two front-runners, battling each other out for the win. During their journey in the knockout tournament, East Bengal overpowered the likes of Mumbai City FC, FC Goa and Aizwal FC in order to become the first team to make it to the finals of the contest.
While on the other hand, Bengaluru FC showed some class game plays that resulted in them sealing the deal against top teams like Neroca FC, Gokulam Kerala, and Mohun Bagan. The old foes have faced each other during BFC’s time in the I-League. However, the final of the Super Cup will be the first time the two will pit against the other since the Southern Eagles' shift to the ISL.
East Bengal
Khalid Jamil would be eyeing his first piece of silverware since his stint as the East Bengal coach. With Jamil’s philosophy and attacking style of play, East Bengal have been unstoppable so far, and will be determined to beat their former I-League competitors.
Here is how Khalid Jamil’s men could possibly line up against Bengaluru FC:
East Bengal Probable XI: Ubaid; Chullova, Edu, Samad, Gurwinder; Aucho, Lobo; Katsumi, Al Amna, Danmawia; Dudu.
Bengaluru FC
While Roca’s star strikers Miku and Sunil Chhetri both sit atop the leading scorers’ chart, having scored four goals each, the Red and Golds in contrast, are the only side to have kept two clean sheets in the entire course of the Indian Super Cup.
With Nishu Kumar picking up a red card during Bengaluru FC’s semi-final clash against Mohun Bagan, and Rahul Bheke being ruled out due to injury, the Spanish coach will have to closely reconsider his defensive options.
After having missed out on the ISL title earlier this year, BFC will be looking to avenge their loss against Chennaiyin FC and will come out in full force to try and capitalise on each and every opportunity they get, especially if the prize at stake is some silverware in the form of the Super Cup.
Here is how Albert Roca could possibly have his side start:
Bengaluru FC Probable XI: Gurpreet; Ralte, Juanan, Johnson, Khabra; Rodriguez, Partaalu, Perez; Chhetri, Miku, Udanta.
Prediction
East Bengal 1 – 3 Bengaluru FC
Considering BFC’s massive front three, and in-form Miku and Chhetri, the fans can be in for a treat should this turn out to be a goal fest. However, one must not overlook the quality and history EB bring along with them into this fixture. This will 100% be a nerve-wrenching game.
