Bengaluru FC lock horns with Mohun Bagan in Federation Cup final

This will be the sixth meeting between the two teams this season...

The Blues from Karnataka, Bengaluru FC defeated I-League champions Aizawl FC to secure their place in the Federation Cup Final. This will mark their second ever Federation Cup showpiece appearance since the establishment of the southern club. Their first appearance in the final of the tournament came in 2015, where the newly founded BFC defeated Goan outfit Dempo Sports Club with a scoreline of 2-1, with Sunil Chhetri and Robin Singh scoring the two goals that handed the Blues their maiden Federation Cup title.

However, with the second final appearance already booked and to be played on Sunday at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, the Blues are now looking to win their second Federation Cup Trophy in their history. However, Albert  Roca’s team was handed a defeat at the hands of their final opponents Mohun Bagan couple of days ago in the AFC Cup.

Mohun Bagan, the Kolkata giants who recently finished second in the country’s top tier league are looking to retain the title they won last year.. Not being able to clinch the league title and then going out of this year’s AFC Cup in the group stage, the Mariners have now concentrated solely on winning the Federation Cup, which will help them avoid another trophy-less season. The Green and Maroons defeated their arch-rivals East Bengal in the semi-final of the tournament to secure a place in the Final.

Team News

Bengaluru FC will be without the services of skipper Sunil Chhetri who picked up a muscle tear injury in their last match in the Federation Cup semi-final against Aizawl FC. However, the rest of the Blues’ squad are injury free which will enable Coach Albert Roca to possibilities.

Mohun Bagan, too, are said to be without any injuries which will help the Mariners’ gaffer Sanjoy Sen's cause hugely.

Head to Head

These two teams have faced each other 12 times till date, of which Mohun Bagan have won five matches compared to Bengaluru’s two matches. Rest of the five matches were drawn between these two teams.

Man to Watch

Sandesh Jhingan-Bengaluru FC: The Indian defender has been a force to reckon with in this year’s AFC Cup. The 23-year old has been given a more advanced role in Albert Roca’s gameplay this season, in which he HAS not only excelled but also has been influential in scoring goals. Jhingan offers the needed physicality in the defence as well as upfront in the Bengaluru FC squad and his vision and defending ability makes him the man to look out for against Mohun Bagan.

Sony Norde-Mohun Bagan: Mohun Bagan’s Haitian forward has been subject to several criticisms this season. However, despite all the critics, Norde has successfully answered every question on the field. The winger helped his team win against their arch-rivals East Bengal in the semi-final and will play a key part in Mohun Bagan’s performance in the Final against Bengaluru FC. The winger offers pace as well as vision and finishing abilities in the upfront, both scoring and helping other forwards to score in the process.

Probable Lineups

Bengaluru FC (4-4-2): Amrinder, Jhingan, Johnson, Salam Ranjan, Juanan, Alwyn, Lenny, Watson, Lyngdoh, Udanta, Vineeth.

Mohun Bagan (4-4-2):Debjit, Kotal, Anas, Eduardo, Subhasish, Katsumi, Sehnaj, Souvik, Norde, Duffy, Jeje.

Coaches Corner 

Albert Roca - Bengaluru FC : ''Sunday will be our (Bengaluru FC's) second cup final in less than a year and it’s something we are proud to be part of. The team has shown immense character to make it to this stage and we are ready to give it one final push. I would say Bagan are the favourites with some big names on their roster and the availability of all four foreigners for this fixture. We have no problem being the underdogs," - Said Roca in pre match conference.

Sanjoy Sen - Mohun Bagan : ''Mohun Bagan are definitely ready to play the final hundred percent. I don't have any injury concerns in my team. The boys are fit and ready to go for tomorrow,''Sanjoy Sen mentioned.

''There are definitely advantages and disadvantages of playing one team again and again. They have studied are players similarly we have studied their players too. So this makes for an interesting final. The ones who will watch the finals well enjoy. We will be facing one of the best teams in India.'' added sen.

Broadcast

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The game will be Live on Ten 2 from 07:00 pm. You can also follow live commentary of the game on khelnow.com.