Probable East Bengal line-up for AFC Champions League Two preliminary against Al-Arabi
East Bengal FC will host Kuwait’s Al-Arabi SC in the AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Round on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 IST at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) Stadium in Kolkata. The winner will advance to the group stage of the competition.
The match represents East Bengal’s return to continental competition after their 2024-25 AFC Challenge League campaign, when under Oscar Bruzon they topped a group that included Paro FC, Nejmeh and Basundhara Kings but lost the title to FK Arkadag of Turkmenistan. East Bengal enter this preliminary tie as the new Indian Super League champions and under a new coaching setup led by Antonio Lopez Habas, who has taken charge for the club.
Between the posts, Prabhsukhan Gill is expected to be pivotal after a strong 2025-26 ISL season that produced crucial saves en route to East Bengal’s first ISL trophy. The squad also lists Gaurab Shaw and Lachenpa as alternative goalkeepers, with the article describing Lachenpa as the newest signing from Mumbai City FC.
At left back and across the left side, Jay Gupta — a 2025-26 arrival from FC Goa — offers versatility after operating as both an attacking wide back and a defensive wide option. The club’s new recruit from Inter Kashi FC, Sandip Mandi, has frequently been deployed centrally during the Durand Cup and is seen as a starter under Habas, who previously worked with Mandi during his time with the Kashi side that won the I-League.
Central defence may be reshaped by the likely absence of Nacho Monsalve through injury, which could prompt East Bengal to field an all-Indian backline led by Anwar Ali alongside Sandip Mandi. The piece identifies Anwar Ali as the squad’s most consistent performer last season and recalls his effective partnership with Kevin.
On the right, Boris — who joined from FC Goa and had been sidelined with injury — is reported to be fit enough for selection, with Hardik Bhhatt and Lalchunnunga named as backup options. The article suggests a settled right-back role could bolster East Bengal’s defensive balance for the tie.
The midfield is expected to rely on MD Rashid as the pivot, credited with energy, tackling and set-piece delivery and noted as a member of East Bengal’s ISL-winning side last season. Jeakson Singh is identified as a key number 8 under Habas’s preferred mid-block system, while Dani Ramirez — described as a former Punjab FC player — is highlighted for his creativity and for scoring a curled opening goal against South United FC in the Durand Cup.
In attack, Bipin Singh is projected to operate from the right with pace and finishing ability, Rohit Danu is noted for his Durand Cup performances and as a former Kashi player who could make his first AFC appearance, and Edmund Lalrindika is portrayed as an unpredictable forward who flourished under Habas during his Inter Kashi days.
East Bengal face Al-Arabi on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at VYBK Stadium in Kolkata, with Antonio Lopez Habas listed as the head coach for the fixture and the tie serving as the preliminary stage for qualification to the AFC Champions League Two group phase.