AFC Champions League Two 2026-27: Player battles to watch out for in East Bengal FC vs Al-Shorta

The Red & Gold Brigade will aim for a clear win at VYBK East Bengal are set to play their first home game of the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Two campaign when they host Iraqi giants Al-Shorta at the Salt Lake Stadium (Kolkata) on Tuesday, 13 October. The Torchbearers were able to salvage a commendable point in their first match of the competition but are now looking to really assert their threat in the group by getting a big win over a tricky opponent.

Al-Shorta are currently on top of their group after being able to win their first AFC Champions League Two clash, and they're looking to add to their run in the upcoming clash against the Indian Super League (ISL) giants. The East Bengal vs Al-Shorta clash should feature some feisty battles on the pitch, and there are some particular duels that can be decisive in deciding which way the pendulum swings.

With both teams boasting influential players in key areas of the pitch, there should be a lot of back-and-forth in the duels between certain players. Here, we look at the key battles that will be important in deciding who wins the upcoming AFC Champions League clash between East Bengal and Al Shorta.

Bipin Singh vs Ahmd Yahya Th Bipin Singh of East Bengal FC during match 76 of INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE played between MBSG and EBFC at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan at Salt lake in kolkata on 17th May 2026. He was surprisingly benched in the game against Al-Hussein recently, but Bipin seems poised to get a start in the upcoming clash against Al-Shorta.

Singh will need to be a menace in the wide areas, making good use of his surging forward sprints and getting the ball into the danger zones with his clever final third passes. However, Bipin can also expect a challenging task against Al Shorta defender Ahmed Yahya, who is himself a pretty rugged defensive asset capable of neutralising the threat of dangerous wingers.