XtraTime Newsdesk: In just a few hours, East Bengal will take on Oman's Al-Seeb in the AFC Champions League Two. Habas's side have been in good form, and their confidence is running high ahead of this crucial encounter.

However, Al-Seeb are no ordinary opponents. They are one of Oman's biggest clubs, having won the domestic league title in each of the last three seasons and lifted the AFC Cup in 2022. Last season, they enjoyed a remarkable campaign, winning 21 of their 26 league matches, drawing four and losing just one. With 67 points, they finished as champions. Their form this season, however, has been somewhat inconsistent.

Al-Seeb's struggles have been particularly evident in the AFC Champions League Two. They have lost 1-0 to Al-Shorta and 3-0 to Al-Hussein. After two matches, they have no points, have failed to score a goal and have conceded four.

The Omani side generally operate in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Romanian coach Florin Motroc. Augustine Oladapo and Omer Al-Malki are important figures in midfield, while Gabonese striker Axel Méyé and Zahir Al-Aghbari provide attacking options. The squad also features several experienced Oman internationals.

East Bengal will need to keep a close eye on a number of key players. Foreign striker Axel Méyé is one of them. Although he is yet to score in this season's AFC Champions League Two, he possesses the ability to change the course of a match at any moment.

Another player to watch is Zahir Al-Aghbari. An Oman international, he primarily operates on the left wing but is also effective when cutting inside and attacking through central areas.

Augustine Oladapo is another important figure. The foreign midfielder plays a crucial role in retaining possession and creating attacking opportunities.

Ali Al-Busaidi is an experienced player who featured in the attacking line in Al-Seeb's 4-2-3-1 system against Al-Hussein. Meanwhile, Mohammed Al-Musalami, the team's experienced centre-back and captain, brings considerable defensive experience, having represented Oman at international level for many years.

Overall, Al-Seeb possess a squad rich in experience, combining foreign players such as Méyé and Oladapo with several established Oman internationals. However, their individual quality and experience have yet to translate into positive results in this continental competition.

Can East Bengal exploit those weaknesses and turn their opponents' struggles into an opportunity? That is the big question ahead of this encounter.