The national title has been eluding Bengal with the last titel for the record 29-time champions coming way back in 1998-99. Having come close to a sniffing distance last year, Bengal were done in in the penalty shootout to settle for the runners-up position as Goa emerged champions.
However, this time around, Bengal have already crossed the Goan hurdle as they are eyeing their 30th title in front of home crowd.
From Punjab’s point of view, Gurpreet Singh has picked a double yellow and the in-form striker will miss the all-important final. In the forward line, Praveen Kumar is likely to start with Balwant Singh and coach Jagir said there are no favourites. “There are no favourites in a final, whoever plays well on that particular day, will win. Bengal are a good team but we are equally confident,” he said on the eve of the match.
Bengal will also have a chance to avenge their defeat in the Santosh Trophy 2006-07 final when they lost to Punjab in the penalty shootout.