With their consistent performance, recently-crowned East Bengal are the favourites, while the star-studded Mohun Bagan and United SC would be a force to reckon with, feel former footballers.
"It seems that the balance and the power may shift to Kolkata this time around. But there's no guarantee in sport; even Barcelona nor Manchester United may falter," Olympian and former India captain P K Banerjee told PTI.
"Looking at the way East Bengal have been performing consistently, they are the favourites. I'm not talking about Federation Cup only.
"The team looks balanced, disciplined without being disturbed the coach, players and officials so that the decorum remains intact. They have been performing consistently in the tournament (finishing runners-up in last two seasons)."
The veteran also backed Mohun Bagan to do well.
"Mohun Bagan too have a very strong side with an aggressive striking force. The Kolkata teams have the feeling and sentiments of the masses but I'm not saying the Goan teams don't have the fanbase."
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"But the Kolkata teams have lost out in the race to the Goans after the professional set-up. They were more professionally managed and families were involved while Kolkata teams kept on their local rivalry.
"But slowly there's a change. There is money now and the teams are gradually finding their feet. I don't think it's far when the balance would shift to Kolkata once again," he added. (MORE)