Durand Cup 2022 Preview: East Bengal face Rajasthan United in tough battle

The Pink Army defeated ATK Mohun Bagan in their first game of the competition.

The situation in Group B of Durand Cup 2022 looks intense. With ATK Mohun Bagan splitting points with Mumbai City, the group is now an open one. Thus, it’s clear that both East Bengal and Rajasthan United will need all three points from this game to move a step closer to the knockout stage.

The Stakes

East Bengal

East Bengal have earned just a point in their previous outing. After the Rajasthan United fixture, they’ll be up against ATK Mohun Bagan. Despite the happenings of the last few days, it can be asserted that the Mariners are a stronger side at least on paper. Thus, East Bengal will be aiming for a victory against Rajasthan United. This will help in increasing their morale ahead of the Kolkata derby and elevating their position in the group as well.

Rajasthan United

Have Rajasthan United just replaced Gokulam Kerala to emerge as the new giant killers of India? May be yes. The Pink Army need not be complacent and should take the East Bengal game seriously. They still have to play against Mumbai City, who are undoubtedly one of the strongest Indian sides. Thus, three points against East Bengal will boost the confidence of the Rajasthan-based outfit. Also, another victory against a Kolkata Giant will help the four-year-old club to mark its entrance into the Indian setting.

Team News

Mahitosh Roy has been dropped by Stephen Constantine from the senior squad. However, whether it will affect his foray in the Durand Cup is a question yet to be answered. Meanwhile, Naorem Mahesh Singh had suffered an injury against Indian Navy. He is not expected to be available against Rajasthan United. Charalambos Kyriakou hadn't been registered before the Indian Navy game. But he will be available for selection against Rajasthan United.

The Pink Army will have a fully fit squad going into the game against East Bengal.

Head-to-head

This is the first time East Bengal and Rajasthan United will play against each other.

Probable line-ups

East Bengal: Kamaljit Singh, Sumeet Passi, Lalchungnunga, Ankit Mukherjee, Pritam Singh, Aniket Jadhav, Amarjit Singh, Alex Lima, Tuhin Das, VP Suhair, Mobashir Rahman.

Rajasthan United: Niraj Kumar, Hardik Bhatt, Jagdeep Singh, Melroy Assisi, Aidar M, Lalliansanga, Bektur Amangeldiev, William Neihsial, Lalremsanga, Youssef Atriss, Alister Anthony.

Man to watch

VP Suhair (East Bengal)

It is still uncertain whether Eliandro or Cleiton Silva will start against Rajasthan United since they landed in Kolkata a few days back. Keeping that in mind, VP Suhair will be the main man upfront upon whom millions of East Bengal fans will rely for goals. It shouldn't be forgotten that Suhair was in sublime form for NorthEast United last season.

Bektur Amangeldiev (Rajasthan United)

The Kyrgyz midfielder got his name in the scoresheet against ATK Mohun Bagan. Though a defensive midfielder, his presence will be important against the likes of Mobashir Rahman, Alex Lima and VP Suhair. Rajasthan United will look forward to him for both defensive and offensive duties.

Did you know?

• East Bengal have won the Durand Cup a record 16 times.
• Rajasthan United are the first club from the state in the I-League.
• East Bengal finished at the bottom of the ISL table last season.

Telecast

The match between East Bengal and Rajasthan United will be played at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. The game will kick off at 6 pm IST. Sports18 – Sports18 1 SD & HD and Sports18 Khel (Hindi Commentary) will telecast the fixture. It will also be streamed on Voot and JioTV.