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The Federation Cup semi-final to be held on the 31st December will be the platform for a high-profile clash between two titans and arch-rivals of Indian football, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

The Build Up:
East Bengal started the Cup on quite a poor note, being held to a goalless draw by Viva Kerala in their first game. However, they redeemed themselves with successive 1-0 defeats of Salgaocar and JCT to emerge with 7 points and top their group. In the I-League they have not performed well so far and are in sixth place with 12 points.

Mohun Bagan started their campaign with a bang, thrashing Mohammedan Sporting 4-1 in their first game. They drew 0-0 with Chirag Un ited but went on to beat Mahindra 2-0 in a thrilling encounter to finish the group stage with 7 points and claim their place in the semi-finals. They have a substantially higher goal difference than East Bengal though. In the I-League Bagan have been in relatively poor form and are currently in fifth place with 13 points, just 1 point more than East Bengal.

In their last match contest against each other, the I-League fixture in October, Mohun Bagan beat East Bengal 5-3 in a game that sadly was dominated by exceptionally poor defending.

Team News:
Mohun Bagan striker Chidi Edeh has been fantastic so far and was East Bengal's nemesis in their previous meeting scoring 4 goals. He also scored a superb goal in Bagan's last match against Mahindra United, which sealed qualification to the semi-finals. His strike partner, the Brazilian veteran Bareto, has also been excellent this season, and though not as quick as he was in his younger days, has made up for it by working tirelessly for the team's cause.

Japanese import Sueoka has shown great vision in midfield and winger Ishfaq Ahmed, who was the recipient of the Man of the Match award in the game against Mahindra, possesses a combination of pace and skill which makes him very difficult to close down.

Mohun Bagan's central defence, comprising Deepak Mandal and Seikh Azim, were very solid in their last game and will be expected to perform similarly against their local rivals. Goalkeeper Sangram Mukherjee has generally been solid between the sticks and has pulled off some excellent saves over his last few games.

Meanwhile East Bengal frontman Yusif Yakubu has been quite impressive so far, scoring the only goal in their match against Salgaocar, despite not being completely fit. Coach Phillip De Ridder will probably stick with him inspite of his lack of match sharpness. Winger Mehtab Hussain has found his form of late and will play a crucial role in attack.

Their central defenders, Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Oga Opara have been been disciplined so far and will have to keep that up to deal with an effervescent Bagan attack.

However, the limelight will surely be on their talismanic striker Bhaichung Bhutia, who made a controversial move to East Bengal after playing for Mohun Bagan last season. He came off the bench in their match against JCT to score the late winner.

Prediction:
Though East Bengal have regained their form, it may not be enough to outdo a fired up Mohun Bagan side, especially with the memory of their 5-3 defeat fresh in their minds. However, one can expect East Bengal to put up a great fight. Predicted scoreline: Mohun Bagan 1-0 East Bengal.

Whatever the outcome, a match between these two clubs can never be a dull affair.

File Photograph Copyright: Mangopeelmedia.com