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2. East Bengal FC
The Red & Gold giants are one of the favourites to lift the I-League title this year. After a rough start to their campaign comprising of a draw against defending champions, Aizawl FC & a loss to arch-rivals Mohun Bagan, Khalid Jamil & his boys have won four on the trot to turn the table around. The team looks to be back on the track now after early jolts & would look to carry on their form in the series of away games that they are to face post-Christmas break.
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The Syrian wizard Mahmoud Al -Amna has produced some stellar performance & together with Katsumi Yusa who has switched side this year from arch-rivals Mohun Bagan AC the Red & Gold midfield has only grown crafty & stronger.Laldanmawia Ralte has added as an extra goal-scoring option for Khalid as his star hitman Willis Plaza has often misfired in several games.
The team is regarded as the strongest comparing with other nine participating teams in the league, the likes of Prakash Sarkar and Salam Ranjan Singh have adapted well in the first XI leaving experienced Gurwinder Singh on the bench.
Djair Miranda Garcia was another key recruitment by East Bengal FC as the fitness levels where they had suffered the most in the past seasons has improved a lot.star midfielder Cavin Lobo who has had his fitness issues in the past and failed to break into the first XI is up and running. Even the worst turf in Coimbatore saw players escape without any injury.
With youngest I-League winning coach Khalid Jamil at their helm the Red & Golds' squad can expect to end their 14years of I-League trophy drought this year, as they climbed to the top of the table.
Key Players:- Mahmoud Al-Amna, Katsumi Yusa, Laldanmahwaia Ralte.
Pros:- Team has a numerous number of goal scorers. Has a mix of youth & experience.Has majestic midfield players & dead ball specialists.
Cons:- Leaking goals at back has been a problem. Has failed to keep a clean sheet.
Rating: 8.5/10
