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Events in the Indian Super Cup have taken an interesting turn as Kolkata titans East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will be battling Indian Super League (ISL) franchises FC Goa and Bengaluru FC (respectively) in the semi-final stages of the 2018 Indian Super Cup. The first semi-final game is to take place at the Kalinga Stadium in Odisha, on April 16, 2018 between the Gaurs and the Red and Gold.
The winner of this contest will reserve their spot in the finale of the Super Cup, and shall face either BFC or Mohun Bagan on the 20th of this month.
Though FC Goa have been displaying some massively competitive football through their stellar performances in the tournament, they will face some trouble selecting their starting line-up versus East Bengal courtesy four of their players being unavailable due to suspension.
On the other hand, East Bengal have not had it easy either, as their ISL counterparts seem to be tipped as the favourites of the battle. The team from Bengal will have to slog hard in order to make book their spot in the finals. East Bengal kicked off the competition on a positive after defeating Mumbai City FC 2-1 during their pre-quarterfinal fixture.
FC Goa
The Gaurs have been consistently impressive in the debut season of the Indian Super Cup. Having beaten ATK by three goals to one during the pre-quarterfinal meeting, taking down Jamshedpur FC by a whopping 5-1 score-line in what some may term as a controversial turn of events, FC Goa will now take on East Bengal in the first semi-final.
Based on their playing style, past perofrmances, and current form, the Gaurs are the clear favourites in this encounter. However, with a depleted squad at his disposal, it will be interesting to see how FC Goa match up the the Kolkata giants.
FC Goa Predicted XI: Kattimani; Narayan, Jovel, Ali, Seriton; Bedia, Mandar, Anthony, Manvir; Coro, Adrian.
East Bengal
East Bengal’s journey so far has been challenging. Though they overpowered Aizawl FC 1-0, it was a through a stoppage-time penalty that they managed to score during the quarter-final stage of the tournament.
However, with a coach like Khalid Jamil, the team seems to be in safe hands to put up a tough fight. Suspension of a large number of key players may make it sound easy for the Bengal giants. However, they must not underestimate the forces FC Goa have available at hand.
East Bengal Predicted XI: Ubaid; Chullova, Samad, Gurwinder, Eduardo; Aucho, Lobo; Danmawia, Katsumi, Al Amna; Dudu.
Prediction
FC Goa 2 – 1 East Bengal
This fixture between FC Goa and East Bengal will be a display of tough spirit and resilience and an opportunity for Indian football to witness some new faces making their debuts as a part of the FC Goa squad, considering their circumstances. East Bengal, who have the skill and the experience of doing well in cup competitions, will be aiming to clinch the victory, while FC Goa could pull off a shocker.
