Bengal coach Ranjan Chowdhury for the forthcoming senior national football championship, Santosh Trophy, feels Punjab might be the toughest opposition in their group as they will be playing at their home. Ranjan said, "We are in a difficult group. Along with Punjab, we have to play against Haryana, Delhi, Odhisa, and Ladakh. Haryana and Delhi also cannot be ignored."

Only one team from each group will qualify for the knock-out stage and unfortunately, the matches have been scheduled alternatively. If any footballer gets injured in a match it will be difficult for him to recover before the next match. 

The IFA secretary Anirban Dutta announced the 22-member Bengal team on Friday at Kishore Bharati Stadium. Former Indian international and Dronacharya, Syed Nayeemuddin, former India international and IFA coaches' committee member Manoranjan Bhattacharya, and Ashok Chanda were present to cheer up the team.

However, Bengal will depart for Punjab on Saturday morning to start their campaign on 9th October against Odisha could get the opportunity to make a combined training only for three days. Mohun Bagan sent three footballers to the preparatory camp and East Bengal sent only Deep Saha while Narohari Sreshtha only from Diamond Harbour FC  got selected in the team.

The Final Rounds of the competition will be held in Arunachal Pradesh.