Federation Cup Preview

Top football clubs in the country are looking at the Federation Cup that kicks off simultaneously in Kochi and Manjeri on Tuesday. 

Nestled in during the mini-break of long drawn out I-League, the format of the 35th edition of the tournament is short. But the tournament which lasts less than two weeks promises plenty of enthralling stuff. 

Thirteen of the 16 teams playing I-League are featuring in this year's Federation Cup. United Sikkim, Bhawanipore FC and local outfit Eagles FC are the only teams that don't feature in I-League but are getting an opportunity to lock horns with the best in the country in this tournament. 

But unlike India's premier football league which offers teams a chance for a comeback, the format of Federation Cup doesn't give teams that luxury. Teams have been drawn in four groups with four each teams in each group. 

Only one team will advance from each group and teams slipping early in the tournament may be staring at the exit door. 

As usual Kolkata giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan along with Mohammaden Sporting are strong contenders for the title but they would be wary of the challenge posed by I-League leaders Bengaluru FC, Sporting Club de Goa and Pune FC. 

The fact that no Kolkata clubs is in the top four position in I-league means the Federation Cup is going to be a more open affair this time. 

East Bengal would be content with nothing less defending the title this year as they are lying at fifth place in I-League currently. 

Though they were crowned as the champions in the Kolkata League last Saturday, going down to Mohun Bagan in the derby has not gone down well with their fans. The biggest hurdle for the current champions will come in group stage itself as they are clubbed with Bengaluru FC in group B