Defending champions Churchill Brothers and runners-up Mahindra United are back and with Air India, JCT, Sporting Clube de Goa and Mumbai FC to contend with, it offers an ideal preparatory ground for next month’s start to the second edition of the I-league.

JCT and Air India are perhaps worst hit in the transfer market. JCT lost star striker Sunil Chhetri and Renedy Singh while Air India saw talented defender Nirmal Chhetri and winger Sanju Pradhan depart.

Tough task

For Mahindra United though, a lot hinges on the availability of India players Steven Dias and N P Pradeep. Both are contracted to the Mumbai club till next season but have already entered into agreements with East Bengal. It’s now up to the All India Football Federation’s players’ status committee to resolve the issue. In case Mahindra United fail to retain their star players, things could turn difficult for them.

Churchill Brothers have most of the squad that Karim Bencherifa built during his two-year stint with the club. Following his departure for Mohun Bagan, Emeka Euzego has taken over the reins. The 3-2 win over Dempo in the Goa Professional League opener should augur well for the former Nigerian World Cupper.

And with Okolie Odafe starting off from where he left last season, scoring a hat-trick in the win over Dempo, Churchill Brothers look favourites to retain the Durand Cup.

Tata Football Academy and Army XI complete the quarterfinal line-up. TFA defeated Salgaocar in the pre-quarter finals to qualify from Group B but have been far from impressive. This is their first competitive outing and fans could hope for a better show.