Mohun Bagan will be looking to defend the Federation Cup and extend their reign as the most successful club in the tournament and win their 15 title when they face off against Bengaluru FC in the finals at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, odisha, later on Sunday (May 21).
The defending champions head to this match in a really impressive form having drawn one and won four of their previous five matches, including a 3-1 win against Bengaluru FC in the AFC Cup last week. So Sanjoy Sen and his players might have a physiological edge and will be highly motivated to defend their crown in the upcoming game.
Also read: Viral photo of Sony Norde as Bahubali, regales fans after Mohun Bagan's Fed Cup win over East Bengal
The Bengaluru FC team have not been at their best in their last five matches, having won just two, lost two and drawn one. So Albert Roca and his Bengaluru FC team will be keen to end their season on a positive note and win only their second Federation Cup with their first title coming in the 2014/15 season.
Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan were both in the same group of the Federation Cup and the Mariners topped the group ahead of Bengaluru. In the semi-finals, Mohun Bagan defeated their local rivals East Bengal 2-0 with Darryl Duffy and Balwant Singh getting the goals while Bengaluru FC just edged out Aizawl FC 1-0 with an early penalty from Cameron Watson the deciding goal.
The defending champions don't have any injuries and suspensions to worry about as Sen as a full team to select from. Their two star forwards from the semi-finals, Duffy and Singh, will once again lead the lead while Sony Norde and Katsumi Yusa will try to work their magic on either flank.
As for Bengaluru FC, they will be without Captain Sunil Chhetri who is a long term absentee and also miss the service of Watson who is suspended for this match after he picked up second yellow card of the tournament. Lenny Rodrigues should take his place in midfield.
Bengaluru FC coach Roca admitted that Mohun Bagan are favourites to win the Federation Cup this year but did not rule out his team's chances completely and was hoping to make the most of this match.
"Mohun Bagan have a good attack and we have a good defence. It is important to have a good balance, but we have to be on our toes as they can punish us with the quality upfront. Mohun Bagan are favourites to win the Federation Cup and they deserve to be in the final," Hindustan Times quoted Roca as saying.
"For us, it is important to be in the finals of the Hero Fed Cup and tomorrow we have another opportunity to win a trophy and we have to make the most out of it. I will be a very happy man if we win the final tomorrow."
The Mohun Bagan coach said that it would be an advantage and disadvantage to face a known opponent and is expecting a very competitive match on Sunday. Mohun Bagan skipper Katsumi Yusa said: "It is exciting for everyone in the Bagan camp to be in the final and we are prepared for the final and the final is always special for the players. We have to give our best to win the trophy for our supporters."
Where to watch
The Federation Cup 2017 final is set to start at 7:00pm IST.
TV and live streaming information
India: TV: Ten 2. Live streaming: Sony Liv
