East Bengal supporters surely have not forgotten their last outing against Gokulam Kerala FC, which knocked them out of the Durand Cup semifinals in 2019. A long four years have passed since East Bengal last qualified in the knockout stages of any national-level competition. Coincidentally, the century-old East Bengal FC is going to face the two-time I-League champions Gokulam Kerala FC in today’s quarterfinal clash in Kolkata.
Recent Performances and Current Form of East Bengal FC and Gokulam Kerala FC:
East Bengal has qualified for the Durand Cup knockouts after being the Group A toppers. The Torchbearers are unbeaten in their group league matches, with two wins and a draw. Two wins against the ISL champion and the I-League champion will definitely boost the team’s confidence ahead of the knockout clash.
On the other hand, Gokulam Kerala FC has qualified for the Durand Cup knockouts after being the Group C toppers. The Malabarians have won their initial games while losing the last game. Their 2-0 loss against the Bengaluru B team will be a matter of concern for the team management.
East Bengal FC vs. Gokulam Kerala FC: Head-to-Head:
In recent times, East Bengal has played seven times against Gokulam Kerala FC. In the seven outings, both teams won three matches each, while one ended in a draw. These two sides always displayed a cracking 90 minutes of football whenever they met each other.
Coaches’ thoughts ahead of the quarterfinal clash:
Ahead of the quarterfinal clash, East Bengal FC head coach Carles Cuadrat said,
“The stakes are obviously higher in the knockouts, but I believe in taking one match at a time. We faced some strong opponents in the group stage, and doing well against them has boosted our confidence. Gokulam were the champions of their group, so a tough match awaits us at the VYBK tomorrow. Our fans will surely fill the stadium with their Joy East Bengal chants.”
Gokulam Kerala FC head coach Domingo Oramas said,
“We will play against a big team, ISL players, and in their city, but we are excited and we are preparing for the match to do all our best. We need to be compact in defence and brave and be attacking to do a good performance. And we want to enjoy and give happiness to our supporters.”
East Bengal FC vs. Gokulam Kerala FC: Match Prediction and Possible Starting XI:
Today’s quarterfinal clash is going to be epic, as both teams will do their best to earn a place in the semifinal of the 132nd Indian Oil Durand Cup. As both teams are qualified as group toppers, there will be a great fight between two former champions. But East Bengal FC’s recent form, consistency, defensive solidity, and never-say-die attitude are keeping them a little ahead in today’s clash.
- Possible XI: East Bengal FC:
Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Nishu Kumar, Jordan Elsey, Chungnunga, Khabra, Borja, Souvik, Saul, Nandhakumar, Mahesh, and Siverio
- Possible XI: Gokulam Kerala FC:
Zothanmawia, Salam, Saurabh, Vikas, Sreekuttan, Borges, Bouba, Shijin, Basit, Sanchez, and Abhijit
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