In the penultimate pre-quarter final clash of Hero Super Cup, Mumbai City FC will gear up to take on the Hero I-League heavyweights East Bengal at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. As the teams face each other for the first time ever, both the camps will be cautious of the other’s approach, in order to disallow minor lapses from disturbing their gameplan. Before the crucial knockout fixture, we take a look at how the teams are placed.

East Bengal

The Kolkata giants kept their head in the race for the Hero I-League 2017-18 title until the very last day, before failing to get suitable results which saw them end the season in the fourth position, one behind arch-rivals Mohun Bagan. With no major silverware except the Calcutta Football League to show for their efforts this season, East Bengal will be raring to go in the Hero Super Cup to finish the season on a high. Supported by one of the most passionate fan bases in the country who are sure to travel to the stadium, they would prefer to assess Mumbai before going all-out in the game.

With 32 two goals scored over the season, East Bengal’s attack has been the best in the league. Led by the lethal combination of Katsumi Yusa and Dudu Omagbemi who have scored 14 goals amongst them assisted ably by Ansumana Kromah, Mumbai will have quite a task at their hand to thwart them. The midfield contains the towering Mahmoud Amnah aided ably by the likes of Cavin Lobo and Mohammad Rafique, while the defence bores an experienced look in the form of Arnab Mondal and Gurwinder Singh, who will put in their all to stop Mumbai in their strides.

Mumbai City FC

Having finished the 2017-18 season of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) in the seventh position, the Islanders will be looking to lay claim to their first silverware since their inception. Surviving a scare at the hands of Indian Arrows in the qualifiers which they eventually won 2-1 in extra-time, Mumbai will be cautious when facing a mighty East Bengal side, who definitely will be more difficult to handle. With a good squad and talented players at their disposal, the fans can only hope that the team can combine well from the very first minute and take their game to the opposition.

The defence will be headed by captain Lucian Goian who had a fantastic season and was one of the pillars behind the Islanders squad. With the impressive Amrinder Singh under the sticks and figures like Raju Gaikwad and Mehrajuddin Wadoo aiding Goian, Mumbai will be hoping to restrict East Bengal’s clinical forwards. The midfield boasts of key figures like Achille Emana and Everton Santos who are sure to disturb the opponent’s plans. With Balwant Singh and Rafa Jorda completing the offensive set up, Mumbai look set to take on any challenge East Bengal throws at them.

Watch the match live on the Star Sports Network over five different languages from 8 pm onwards.