Kolkata: Now that they are in the Durand Cup final for the second year in a row after prevailing on shootouts in consecutive knockout matches, Mohun Bagan would feel time and tide is with them to win for the record-extending 18th time. NorthEast United though couldn’t be faulted if they feel the same way, having made their way to a major trophy final for the first time in a decade-long existence.
Circumstances weigh in favour of Mohun Bagan, the home team and not only for vociferous support they would get from the stands at Salt Lake. They have a star-studded team, full of India internationals and quality overseas stars though the most impressive has been he one who hasn’t been called up to the Indian national camp.
Vishal Kaith has undoubtedly been India’s best keeper for the last two years and has Golden Glove award from the Indian Super League to show for it. But somehow, he still couldn’t find a way into new India coach Manolo Marquez preliminary squad, the reason for which is yet to be provided.
Kaith has replied to his snubbing in the best way possible, through his gloves, pulling his team through penalties in the quarters and semis, also making important saves in regulation time.
His presence has also given a sense of dependability to the wobbly Bagan defence line, where three men, including two new foreign recruits, are yet to look convincing. But for the sake of not benching one of Anirudh Thapa and Apuia, coach Jose Molina has had to opt for a three-man backline, though he has been flexible to change formation as per situation and demand of games.
The team’s overall depth has helped them recover from deficits against Punjab FC and Bengaluru. In the final Molina would like his boys to be on the front foot from the very beginning and see out the match in 90 minutes.
None of their enviable set of attacking players have reached top form so early into the season but still goals have come from various sources. If they fire in unison on Saturday, NorthEast would have a tough time to stop them.
Wingers key men for Mohun Bagan, NorthEast
Under Juan Pedro Benali, NEUFC are a plucky bunch, using Jithin MS’ pace and trickery on the wings to create openings. His combination with Spanish playmaker Nestor Roger worked so well in their 3-0 win over Shillong Lajong in the semis and Benali would demand more of the same to stretch the Bagan defenders out of place.
Molina would be well aware of it and would surely use his own set of flankmen – India internationals Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh – to track back. Colaco gave away a penalty to Bengaluru and would have to be extra careful while doing so.
They would, however, be free to run at defenders, with or without the ball, to unsettle then and make life easy for Jason Cummings, Dimitri Petratos and Greg Stewart. Such is their quality that it is very difficult for any coach to bench one of them and if left back and captain Subhasish Bose shakes off the knock he picked up on his left knee to be substituted in the semis, then Molina could be tempted to to drop one of their two foreign defenders to field playmaker Petratos and Stewart together.
That would be a ultra aggressive approach, which would be criticised if it backfires. Molina has stressed on a collective effort to score and defend, hence he could stick with the same combination of Sahal Abdul Samad, Colaco and Singh as three of their five offensive players.
Whatever may be the formation and chosen playing XI, nothing short of trophy would be entertained by the demanding green and marron crowd, who are accustomed to celebrate with trophies and would want the beginning of the new season to be perfect. NorthEast would believe they have it in them to classic party poopers, just as Gokulam Kerala were in 2019, and celebrate their maiden major trophy.
Mohun Bagan vs NorthEast Durand Cup final when and where to match?
Kick-off is at 5.30 pm and will be televised on Sony Sports Network with live streaming on Sony Liv app.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face NorthEast United in the final of the Durand Cup 2024 at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
