I-League 2017/18: Predicted XI for East Bengal

With four National League Titles and eight Cup titles, East Bengal will take the field against Aizawl FC in the hunt for their maiden I-League title. With several changes into the squad, a revamped East Bengal side is all set to enthral its fans in the upcoming season. With I-League switching to a five-foreigner rule, several teams are bound to have many new faces, and so does East Bengal.

Let's have a look at how East Bengal may line up in their season opener against Aizawl FC in the I-League on 28th November.

East Bengal are expected to play in a defensive 4-1-4-1 formation.

GK : Mirshad

After stints with Kasargod District in the Kerala Sevens, FC Bardez and Gokulam FC, Mirshad is most likely to guard the net for the Red and Golds, after an impressive performance in the pre-season friendlies. East Bengal have often let go the league title due to goalkeeping woes, and there is a big responsibility will be on Mirshad's shoulders, to concede as few goals as possible.

RB : Lalramchullova Ralte

Lalramchullova, also known as Chullova, is a young and sturdy defender who started his career with defending champions Aizawl FC. He entered the national circuit when he came on as a substitute in the I-League 2015-16 opener against Mohun Bagan.

CB : Eduardo Ferreira

Eduardo Ferreira, who has played in the Colombian Second Division, and at the top tier of Iran, adds plenty of experience to the East Bengal defence. With decent outings for Mohun Bagan and FC Pune City in the last couple of seasons, Ferreira's inclusion would add resilience to the back-four.

CB : Gurwinder Singh

Gurwinder Singh had spent eight consecutive seasons at the club and is one of the favourites to start at the centre back position ahead of Arnab Mondal. Gurwinder had a splendid CFL season and he would look to add more clean sheets to his name.

RB : Mehtab Singh

Promoted from the East Bengal Academy, Mehtab Singh has caught the eye of the fans after an impressive Calcutta Football League (CFL) campaign. Former Bengaluru FC defender Salam Ranjan Singh is also expected to be another choice for the right back position.

CDM : Bajo Armand

A new face in the Kolkata football, Bajo has been impressive in the pre-season friendlies. His real test will be when he faces the pacy North-eastern sides which could challenge him in the midfield.

CM : Mahmoud Al-Amna

The most talked-about player in East Bengal, as he enthralled the fans in the recently concluded CFL campaign. With his brilliant through passes and the ability of hold-up play, he is a force to reckon with for the Red and Golds.

Katsumi was a huge signing from East Bengal.

CM : Katsumi Yusa

Yet another top-notch bloke. With instant speedy bursts, he has the ability to wreack havoc in the opposition half. By switching sides to East Bengal from Mohun Bagan, it would be interesting to see how he copes with the pressure to deliver his best for a club, which he liked to play against in the Kolkata Derby.

LW : Brandon Vanlalremdika

A short and pacy forward with similar traits like Katsumi. His brilliant work rate is pivotal to East Bengal's I-League campaign. Brandon Vanlalremdika was one of the finds of the previous season with Aizawl FC and he would look forward to prove his mettle in Kolkata in a completely different setup, as he is back with his boss, Khalid Jamil.

RW : Laldanmawia Ralte

A sturdy and pacy winger, Danmawia is well known for combining with Al-Amna in Aizawl FC instead counter-attacks against the run of play. He is well versed with Khalid Jamil's style of play and is also one of the most important players in the squad.

CF: Willis Plaza

Despite having a dismal 2016-17 season, East Bengal showed belief on him and retained him for the upcoming season as well. With an impressive form in the CFL, fans have started to show some faith in him.

East Bengal are expected to play a defensive form of 4-1-4-1

East Bengal still have woes up front and have an alternative in Charles De Souza, in case Plaza misfires in the opener.