Durand Cup 2022 Preview: Bengaluru FC, Odisha FC fight for semi-final berth

The Juggernauts have maintained clean sheets in all their fixtures so far.

Group D table toppers Odisha FC meet Group A runners-up Bengaluru FC in the Durand Cup quarter-finals at the Kishore Bharati Stadium in Kolkata. Bengaluru FC stuttered after a confident start, finishing two points adrift of Mohammedan Sporting. The ISL pair will look to bring their A game in what promises to be a mouth-watering clash. On the other hand, Odisha FC romped to top the group, winning all four games. They finished the group stages with 12 goals, and none conceded.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

After enduring a heart-breaking semi-final exit on penalties at the hands of eventual champions FC Goa last season, BFC will aim for nothing less than getting their hands on the coveted trophy. Silverware has been lacking in recent years, and the Durand Cup is the perfect way to return to winning ways. They will have to get past an in-form Odisha which undoubtedly promises to be a steep test.

Odisha FC

The Juggernauts are in scintillating form, beginning their campaign with a 6-0 thumping of NorthEast United. Odisha then blanked Kerala Blasters, Sudeva Delhi, and Army Green. They will approach this fixture with all guns blazing. The reunion with coach Josep Gombau has been a happy one so far, with an unblemished defensive record to boast of. They will be a hard nut for Bengaluru FC to crack.

Team News

Neither team have any injury worries. Both squads look geared up for the occasion and both managers are expected to field their strongest elevens. Roshan Singh could make his first appearance under Simon Grayson.

Head-to-head

Both sides have met 10 times. BFC have won six times. Meanwhile, Odisha have emerged victorious thrice. The remaining fixture ended in a draw.

Probable line-ups

Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Prabir Das, Sandesh Jhingan, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Naorem Roshan Singh, Bruno Ramires, Suresh Singh, Javi Hernandez, Udanta Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Roy Krishna

Odisha FC: Lalthuammawia Ralte, Sebastian Thangmuansang, Narender Gahlot, Carlos Delgado, Sahil Panwar, Osama Malik, Saul Crespo, Raynier Fernandes, Nandhakumar, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Diego Mauricio

Man to watch

Sivasakthi Narayanan (Bengaluru FC)

The BFC forward has excelled so far with his hold-up-play and composure while finishing. The academy product has proven that he is a star for the future, scoring three goals in three matches in this Durand Cup. Sivasakthi is an impactful presence from the bench and Josep Gombau's men need to keep a strict surveillance on him.

Saul Crespo (Odisha FC)

25-year-old Saul Crespo has been unstoppable in midfield and is exactly the player Josep Gombau wants in order to dictate play. The defensive-midfielder has been a rock in the middle of the park, but is among the goals, already notching up three.

Did you know?

• Odisha goalie Lalthuammawia Ralte previously played for Bengaluru FC and helped them win the I-League in his debut season.
• Odisha FC are yet to concede in the Durand Cup 2022.
• Sivasakthi Narayanan has scored as many goals as Sunil Chhetri in this edition of the Durand Cup.

Telecast

The quarter-final between Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC will kick off at 6 pm IST on 10th September, 2022. The match will be telecasted on Sports18 – Sports18 1 SD & HD and Sports18 Khel (Hindi commentary). It will also be streamed on Voot and JioTV.