The Maldivian champions are on an exhilarating streak of their own, unbeaten in their last 22 official games while lifting the domestic treble last season. Currently, they are placed 2nd in the regional Male League with ten points from four games. Most of their threat comes from the enigmatic striker Ali Ashfaq, who scored a hat-trick against Aizawl last month. The 32-year-old also has three goals in the domestic league this season already. Afghan national Haroon Amiri, who has had several stints in India is also a part of their side. A trio of Spaniards make up the rest of the foreign contingent - defender Jorge Gotor Blas, midfielder Candela and striker Guillem Marti Misut. While Bengaluru have never lost against any Maldivian opponent in Asian history, New Radiant will prove to be the most formidable challenge yet to clash with the Blues from the island nation. A win for either side will only tighten the grip on progression into the inter-zone semi-finals. Who will come out on top in the battle of the Spanish masterminds? BENGALURU LIKELY XI: Lalthuammawia Ralte (GK), Rahul Bheke, Erik Paartalu, Zohmingliana Ralte; Nishu Kumar, Malsawmzuala, Alwyn George, Victor Perez, Subhasish Bose; Thongkhosiem Haokip, Daniel Segovia.
NEW RADIANT LIKELY XI: Imran Mohamed (GK); Ahmed Abdulla, Jorge Gotor, Akram Ghani, Hisam Saleem; Hamzath Mohamed, Mohamed Umair, Candela, Ali Fasir; Ali Ashfaq, Guillem Misut.
