East Bengal vs Al-Hussein Match Preview, Prediction, Timings, Lineups, Teams, and How to Watch

East Bengal FC’s return to continental football after a decade starts with a real test. The ISL champions travel to Jordan to face three-time domestic champions Al-Hussein SC in their AFC Champions League Two opener — and both sides arrive carrying very different kinds of pressure.

East Bengal vs Al-Hussein: Match details

The story behind the match

East Bengal qualified by beating Kuwait’s Al Arabi SC 4-1 in the preliminary round, and they arrive full of confidence — new manager Habas already delivered the Durand Cup, thrashing rivals Mohun Bagan SG 4-1 in the final. This is his first match in charge for this tournament, and a strong start here would boost both their continental campaign and domestic momentum.

Al-Hussein, despite winning the Jordanian Pro League three years running, have had a rough start domestically — a 5-0 loss to Al-Jazeera Club followed by a 0-0 draw. They’ll hope a fresh continental fixture resets their form, especially after last season’s quarter-final exit at the hands of Al-Ahli Saudi.

Predicted lineups

East Bengal FC (4-2-3-1): Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Hardik Bhatt, Anwar Ali, Diego Zivulic, Jay Gupta, Mohamad Basim Rashid, Jeakson Singh, Dani Ramirez, Bipin Singh, Chris Ikonomidis, Edmund Lalrindika.

Al-Hussein SC (4-3-3): Mahmoud Al-Kawamleh (GK), Abdallah Nasib, Pedro Henrique, Ali Hajabi, Ahmad Hassaf, Mahmoud Shawkat, Yousef Qashi, Mahmoud Deeb, Mahmoud Al-Mardi, Aref Al-Haj, Brayan Riascos.

Chris Ikonomidis is fit and available after a recovery spell, while PV Vishnu travels with the squad. Al-Hussein are reportedly fully fit for this opener.

Players to watch

Anwar Ali anchors East Bengal’s back line with sharp recovery instincts and line-breaking passes. For Al-Hussein, Brazilian centre-back Pedro Henrique has been central to the club’s recent form, reading danger early and covering ground fast.

Prediction

With momentum from a Durand Cup win and a settled squad, East Bengal look slightly favoured — but a first continental clash away from home against a battle-hardened Jordanian side is never straightforward.

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