East Bengal are set to take the field in a high-stakes Super Cup semi-final as they face a young Punjab FC side at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. Ahead of the knockout clash, head coach Óscar Bruzón and defender Jay Gupta shared their thoughts at the pre-match press conference.
Speaking about Punjab FC before the semi-final, Bruzón praised the team’s compactness and aggressive nature on the field. “We respect our opponents very much, as they have not conceded a single goal in the group stage,” he said. “We have already completed eight official games this season, so we can count ourselves among the fortunate ones, and we have been progressing and maturing over the last three or four months.”
On the other hand, Punjab FC will be at a disadvantage as they will be missing their two primary full-backs, Muhammad Uvais and Khaiminthang Lhungdim, who are both suspended. However, their coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, remained optimistic, citing the good work being done in youth development. Still, his team will need to be more agile and creative to overcome a confident East Bengal side.
East Bengal’s seasoned midfield will be a concern for this inexperienced Punjab team, whose players will need to work hard to win crucial duels in the centre of the pitch. East Bengal, meanwhile, must be fast and clinical in the final third to put the game to bed as early as possible. The impressive defensive duo of Anwar Ali and Kevin Sibille are expected to remain solid, while their opponents will rely heavily on set-piece opportunities – an area that has been a notable concern for the Kolkata side.
Predicted Line-ups
East Bengal (4-3-3):
Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Mohamad Rakip, Anwar Ali, Kevin Sibille, Lalchungnunga, Mohammed Rashid, Saúl Crespo, Miguel Ferreira, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Bipin Singh, Hiroshi Ibusuki.
Punjab FC (4-4-2):
Muneet Shabir (GK), Suresh Meitei, Bijoy V, Samir Zeljković, Leon Augustine, Nikhil Prabhu, Manglenthang Kipgen, Dani Ramírez, Ninthoi Meitei, Muhammad Suhail, Nsungusi Effiong.
Fans can catch both teams in action in the Super Cup semi-final, with kick-off scheduled for 4:00 pm on December 4 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.
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