Federation Cup 2017 Semi-Final: Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Preview - Kolkata derby in Cuttack for a place in final two

'It's the hardest thing to win a semi-final', consequently, it does not get harder, better and a more salivating affair for fans, supporters and neutrals alike when it comes to a Kolkata derby in a final four face-off.

The 2017 Federation Cup in its penultimate lap welcomes a fixture of immense proportions as Mohun Bagan entertain East Bengal in the second semi-final in Cuttack on Sunday evening.

Mohun Bagan who emerged as winners from Group B unscathed trounced DSK Shivajians easily and then fought out a hard win over Shillong Lajong. However, a perfect record was missed courtesy Bengaluru FC who drew - the bare minimum the Blues needed to secure their own promotion into the semis.

Sanjoy Sen who did not brave to field an under-strength side in their last group game with qualification assured will focus his resources to brave out fatigue and recover in time for the big clash, with only one day of rest in between.

"It's like a circle. The teams which ended the I-League as the top four have ended up as Federation Cup semi-finalists. Yes, you might term it as the biggest match of the tournament but you cannot discount Aizawl FC. We finished 2nd and East Bengal 3rd in the league so there is not much of a difference. Now it's not about who's in form and not in form, the players who stand up and deliver on the given day and soak in the pressure will advance," he said on the eve of the game.

The Mariners did rest Darryl Duffy but with all four foreigners raring to go come Sunday, the numerical advantage over their counterparts on imported players did not make Sen feel in any advantage.

He retorted, "With three foreigners East Bengal could not win against Aizawl. We too have struggled with four foreigners when we played Lajong. So, foreigners, domestic players don't count here. Indians have proved their mettle in this tournament, I have nothing to add to that."

The focus will also be on the possibility of the game stretching to extra-time and then shootouts and the 56-year-old was already seen prepared. "A knockout match means there is a high probability of the game going towards a tie-breaker. I have lost twice and won once in tie-breakers in the past with my two former clubs, United SC and Mohammedan SC. So, I have learnt from my experience."

East Bengal, on the other hand, would like to forget their immediate outing where a second-string Aizawl FC held them to a dull draw, hence finishing Group A behind the Reds.

Not a perfect of starts when Churchill Brothers held them to a 1-1 draw but birthday boy Robin Singh's brace overcame Chennai City FC in between. That is their only win so far, but an unbeaten record nonetheless.

Good news which emerged from the Red and Golds camp will be the availability of Gurwinder Singh and Mehtab Hossain, both back after serving their one-game suspensions. However, the inclusion of Ugandan defender Ivan Bukenya still seems to be touch and go as he looks to overcome his eyebrow injury; otherwise, Arnab Mondal will be persisted upon.

Ranjan Chaudhuri's first derby as head coach does not come at a more momentous occasion than his beloved East Bengal two steps away from regaining lost national pride - the last of which came in this very competition in 2012.

Interestingly, the last time both met at the same venue was way back 2010 in the Cup final where East Bengal, led by Trevor Morgan lifted silverware. Only two survivors from the lineup for the Red and Golds will play a part - Mehtab Hossain and Robin Singh, who incidentally played the winning pass for Reisangmi Vashum's winner.

Unlike the empty stands which have been a fixture during the group stage, some parts of it are going to be filled with many sets of supporters making the overnight journey to Odisha from the Bengal capital.

All roads lead to the Barabati Stadium. Kick-off is at 7 PM IST.

PREDICTED LINE-UPS



MOHUN BAGAN TEAM NEWS

Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Key Players: Sony Norde, Balwant Singh



EAST BENGAL TEAM NEWS

Injured: None
Doubtful: Ivan Bukenya
Suspended: None
Key Players: Wedson Anselme, Robin Singh