Mohammedan are the defending champions and had beaten the Muktis through a penalty goal in the final last season but the Reds have had the better of the Black and Whites in every other competition since.

The clash of the country's two premier football clubs kicks off at 2pm at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

Mohammedan received a timely boost ahead of the all-important clash with the completion of transfer formalities of their five new recruits from Cameroon.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) general secretary Anwarul Haq Helal confirmed that all the five had their registered done on Tuesday night and are eligible for the final.

However, the availability of the foreigners has put Mohammedan in a dilemma about whether to play them or continue with the all-local winning combination.

Sources close to the team management informed that they were thinking of giving debuts to three Cameroonians in this crucial match.

Mohammedan coach Abul Hossain believed that the overseas booters can fit in easily without upsetting the balance of the team as they had already trained with the club for nearly two weeks.

"Central defender Shuvro is out of the match as he is suspended. So Biarthelemay Bessala will take his place. I am also thinking of putting striker Kisato and midfielder Olinga in the starting line up," said Abul.

Abul said he still hasn't decided who to drop but it seems that energetic midfielder Bakhiaruddin and forward Monju might find themselves on the bench for the first time in the tournament.

Mohammedan captain Jewel Rana said that his team was full of confidence after beating archrivals Abahani in the semifinal but also warned against complacency.

"We will end up losing if the boys repeat the second half performance against Abahani when we swallowed two goals inside a minute," said Jewel.

"The players are in very good touch and we can lift the Cup again if we carry the same spirit into the final. We are also gunning for revenge after the loss in the National League final against the Muktis," said the former national captain.

Muktijoddha's coach Shafiqul Islam Manik said that he was more worried about decisions going against his team.

"I want to believe that this time we will not fall victim to any bad decision. Last year Mohammedan won the final with a controversial penalty," said Manik, who has been the most successful local coach over the last two seasons.

"We don't have any weak spots in the team at the moment and I am hopeful that the boys will show their best form in the big match," added Manik.

Manik said that his defenders have to keep a close eye on two Mohammedan players in particular if they are to taste success.

"Amin Rana played for us last year and I have no doubt that he is a special kind of talent. He has made a fantastic start to the season for Mohammedan. I am also very impressed with the performance of Khokon Das. We have to keep them in check."

The Reds have one major injury concern. National left-back Hasan al-Mamun is nursing an ankle sprain and is a doubtful starter.

PROBABLE TEAMS

Mohammedan SC: Milon, Bessala, Jewel Rana, Faisal, Amin Rana, Khokon Das, Kisato, Olinga, Kaiser, Pappu and Farhad.

Muktijoddha Sangsad KC: Aminul, Hasan Al-Mamun, Prodeep, Harry, Riad, Gerald, Bidyut, Matiur Munna, Ghansha, Kanchan and Moni.