IFA Shield, the second oldest Cup competition in India kicks off in early March as teams from India as well as outside the country battle the lift the famous Shield trophy. The competition is somewhat smaller this year, with only eight teams participating. However, IFA Shield has stayed true to its tradition of involvement of foreign teams as the 2013 edition contains clubs from Costa Rica and Bangladesh. Eight teams have been divided into two groups; matches in one group will take place in Siliguri while the other group will be held in Kolkata and Kalyani.
Siliguri Phase
East Bengal is well placed to win multiple titles this season. The current Federation Cup winners are in the title hunt for I-League, leading the table in Kolkata Premier League but they need to use their squad judiciously to defend their IFA Shield title.
Expect big spenders Prayag United to take this tournament very, very seriously. The Purple Brigade has not performed to their fullest potential despite having a star studded squad. They are out of the running for the I-League title and are precariously placed in Kolkata Football League as well.
Clubs from Bangladesh have participated multiple times in past with Dhaka Mohammedan finishing as runner-up in 1995 after losing to East Bengal in tie-breaker. This edition sees Bangladesh Premier League side Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra participate in IFA Shield.
I-League season began in a spectacular fashion for Pailan Arrows but the youngsters have somewhat showed down after that start. The drop in Pailan Arrowsai??i?? form has been extremely sharp as they have managed to win just twice since December.
Final Verdict: East Bengal and Prayag United to qualify as group winners and runner-up respectively.
Note:Ai??Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira ChakraAi??won’t be playing and may be replaced by a team whose name is not officially announced yet
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