<p>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.<br /><br />However, this time around, Bengal have already crossed the Goan hurdle as they are eyeing their 30th title in front of home crowd.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.</p>
<p>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.<br /><br />However, this time around, Bengal have already crossed the Goan hurdle as they are eyeing their 30th title in front of home crowd.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.</p>