Durand Cup 2023: East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan | Combined XI

East Bengal will miss the services of Souvik Chakrabarti

It’s derby time in Kolkata now as two of the biggest footballing giants in India- East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will fight to clinch their 17th Durand Cup title. The much-awaited clash is set to happen on 3rd September at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Kirangan. 

East Bengal’s coach Carles Cuadrat will be hoping to beat Juan Ferrando’s star-filled Mohun Bagan side to win his very first trophy with East Bengal. The Mariners will also look to leave no stone unturned as all they will be thinking of is revenge for loss in the group stage against the very same team. 

Both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan have had an impressive journey in the Durand Cup so far. East Bengal are the only unbeaten side in the tournament so far. Mohun Bagan on the other end have also won every match they played in this tournament other than the one against East Bengal, where they lost by a goal in the group stage. 

Some excellent performances from individuals, and players who stood above others benefited both the teams. Khel Now draws up a combined XI between the best players from both teams before the champion deciding match.

Combined Playing XI

Goalkeeper: Prabsukhan Singh Gill (East Bengal FC)

One of the prime reasons for East Bengal staying unbeaten in the competition was the safe hands of Gill. His presence has always boosted the morale of EB’s defense.

Left-back: Subhashish Bose (Mohun Bagan SG)

The MBSG captain has been instrumental in his team’s success. Bose has had a consistent performance, his game against Mumbai City FC was praiseworthy.

Centre-back: Jordan Elsey (East Bengal FC)

Elsey is proving to be one of the best performers in the East Bengal line-up. Other than protecting the fortress, Elsey has also shown his ability to score goals.

Centre-back: Anwar Ali (Mohun Bagan SG)

Since his arrival from FC Goa, Anwar Ali has been the top performer in the Mohun Bagan defense. Besides his impact in the defense line, he scored a goal with a magnificent header against Mumbai City FC

Right-back: Harmanjot Singh Khabra (East Bengal FC)

Khabra’s presence on the pitch has been a morale booster for East Bengal FC. He has been one of the most effective players in this tournament. 

Midfielder: Anirudh Thapa (Mohun Bagan SG)

The 25-year-old new arrival has proved his worth in the team with his clinical performance in the midfield. 

Midfielder: Hugo Boumous (Mohun Bagan SG)

The 28-year-old has catered heavily to Mohun Bagan’s success. Besides his play-making skills, Boumous has also scored and assisted goals in this tournament. 

Left-Winger: Nandhakumar Sekar (East Bengal FC)

This prolific winger has surely been one of the most impressive players in the tournament. His last-minute goal in the semifinal has made way for the Red & Gold brigade into the finals. 

Right Winger: Manvir Singh (Mohun Bagan SG)

Manvir Singh has been instrumental in his team’s successful journey. Besides being a constant threat to the opponent’s defense, and setting up a few goals, he has also scored twice for the Mariners.

Centre-Forward: Javier Siverio (East Bengal FC)

The 25-year-old Spaniard has proved to be a lethal option for East Bengal. He has netted two vital goals in the tournament. 

Centre-Forward: Jason Cummings (Mohun Bagan SG)

Since he entered Indian football, Jason Cummings has been showing his class. His habit of scoring goals is very much the prime reason for Mohun Bagan’s success.