East Bengal's predicted lineup for clash against Altyn Asyr in AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Stage
East Bengal intend to retain their flying form against the Turkmenistani side.
East Bengal FC are set to return to the AFC competition after a nine-year hiatus, facing Altyn Asyr in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) 2024-25 Preliminary round game on Wednesday. Carles Cuadrat’s men will be hungry to mete out justice to the loyal fans with a scintillating display.
Although they hail from the humble Turkmenistan league, Yokary Liga, FC Altyn Asyr are barely unseasoned opponents. The Signalmen have a rich history in the AFC Cup (currently ACL Two), reaching the finals in 2018 and then the semi-finals in 2019, despite debuting only in 2015.
Riding their buoyant Durand Cup into the game, East Bengal have a point to prove and a statement to make as they take on an experienced Asian outfit at the Salt Lake Stadium.
With that being said, let’s have a look at how the East Bengal could field their players in the match against Altyn Asyr.
Predicted Formation (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Prabhsukhan Singh Gill
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 Golden Glove winner has already proven his worth with top-notch saves for the Red and Gold Brigade. Gill also helped his side keep seven clean sheets in ISL 2023-24 as he made 54 saves.
But the ACL Two 2024-25 is a completely different ball game with dangerous forwards like Wazyt Orazsahedow aiming to threaten him more often. It remains to be seen whether the young star can also make a mark on the continental stage.
Right-Back: Mohammed Rakip
Former Mumbai City fullback, Rakip has gained some mileage in his career and Cuadrat aims to make him a permanent starter. Under the tutelage of veterans like Harmanjot Khabra and formerly Mandar Rao Dessai, the right-back has polished both his offensive and defensive skills.
It is important to note that he has struggled on the back foot as was seen against Downtown Heroes in the Durand Cup when he failed to clear a dangerous ball that ended up in the back of the net. Rakip must avoid any such blunders and maintain clear communication channels with his teammates against much more lethal opponents.
Centre-Back: Lal Chungnunga
The 23-year-old might not be physically imposing at 5’10” but his athletic prowess makes up for his stature. Lal Chungnunga was massive in his first derby during his debut season with East Bengal and last season he played 17 games but made a staggering 40 recoveries.
He will mostly be instructed to play as the cover defender who will man the empty spaces and sweep any oncoming danger with his pace, and immaculate tackling.
Centre-Back: Hijazi Maher
Measuring in at 6’2”, Hijazi Maher will be tasked with vigilantly marking Altyn Asyr’s attackers and tussling with them directly for the second ball. The centre-half also racked up significantly more ground and aerial duels won than his Indian counterpart.
Cuadrat can safely rely on him to bully forwards and also pop up as an unconventional threat from set-pieces if his performances in the Durand Cup are anything to go by.
Left-Back: Mark Zothanpuia.
Naturally a left or central midfielder, Zothanpuia has to fill in for the injured Nishu Kumar. While he will be permitted to advance up the field, the former Nizams’ defender must keep a tight watch on the runs in behind.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Jeakson Singh
Jeakson can act as the perfect defensive screen for his side, battling for dominance in the middle of the park. With Saul Crespo alongside him, the defensive midfielder can easily shield his defense and lay a solid foundation for his side with accurate passes and quick interceptions.
At such a high-stakes game, however, the youngster must keep his calm and avoid conceding unnecessary fouls.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Saul Crespo
Saul Crespo will be responsible for pulling the strings in midfield and dictating the tempo. Although being given a box-to-box role in the earlier season, Crespo will have four attackers ahead of him to feed in this game.
However, fans can expect him to pop up with a late run and prey on any loose balls around the areas while also fulfilling spot-kick duties effectively.
Right Midfielder: Nandhakumar Sekar
Derby hero Nandhakumar will make his first appearance of the season for the Torchbearers in the ACL Two preliminary round fixture. Although risky, Nandha can provide an excellent option for cutting inside or making an overlap to set up accurate cutbacks into the box.
The winger’s ambidexterity makes him an unpredictable opponent and giving him a free license to either go wide or take more central runs to dribble past opponents and take shots on goal is sure to harrow Altyn Asyr.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Madih Talal
East Bengal’s primary attraction of the summer has been a revelation for his side in the Durand Cup, scoring from a peach of a free-kick. Talal will surely be fielded in a more natural no 10 role as he can easily create more chances centrally.
But the only thing certain of Cuadrat’s tactics is uncertainty, and fans can expect the Frenchman to swap out with the more versatile Naorem Mahesh Singh out wide and cause confusion among the Altyn Asyr ranks.
Left Midfielder: Naorem Mahesh Singh
Mahesh Singh has been East Bengal’s best player for the past few seasons, despite not having the goal/assist numbers to show for it. His fearless and effective take-ons as well as accurate game-reading make him a formidable opponent who can practically unlock any defence.
Mahesh has demonstrated further enhanced vision in the Durand Cup and can combine well with Talal to displace Altyn Asyr and help his side score.
Striker: Dimitrios Diamantakos
Diamantakos has proven his on-paper viability as the spearhead for East Bengal’s attack with a goal and an assist in only one appearance for the side. Cuadrat has used the Greek striker sparingly but he’s sure to field him in the ACL Two game.
The centre-forward is another gem up top for the Torchbearers, who will draw defenders with his close control and running into space. Giving him the slightest of space will prove to be costly for the visitors.
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