I-League 2015-16 β Mohun Bagan and East Bengal face-off in the most anticipated match of Indian football
312 matches, 525 goals, one iconic stadium, millions of fanatic supporters, two historic clubs and one city β this is the tale of India's oldest, and the most fiercest, rivalry in sports β the Kolkata derby. Mohun Bagan will host East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium in the third round of their I-League campaign, and like always, it is expected to be an enchanting spectacle.
Mohun Bagan grabbed the bragging rights last season, when they became the first club from Kolkata to win the national league, since it was re-christened as the I-League in 2007. However, East Bengal got the better of their rivals in the Calcutta Football League, defeating Mohun Bagan 4-0 in their last encounter, back in September.
Both clubs have made an unbeaten start to their I-League campaign this season. Although the derby has arrived early, this match could yet prove to be a pivotal point for the winner and the loser in the long run.
Team news
Mohun Bagan's star from last season, Sony Norde, is likely to make his first appearance this season in the derby. The Haitian footballer has missed the opening two games of the season due to his international commitments. Balwant Singh, who had a slight fitness concern, has resumed full training, and will start up front for the Mariners.
East Bengal have received a major blow before this big game. Their forward Do Dong-Hyun has picked up an injury in the training session. Biswajit Bhattacharya has insisted that the South Korean footballer might start the match on the bench, and they will take a late call on his fitness.
East Bengal midfielder Harmanjot Singh Khabra has returned to full fitness though, and he will partner Mehtab Hossain at the center of the park. Cavin Lobo has also resumed practicing, and he is likely to make it to the squad. Sehnaj Singh remains the only other injury concern for red and gold brigade at this point.
Tactics
Mohun Bagan manager Sanjoy Sen is likely to use the 4-2-3-1 formation for this game. With Luciano Sabrosa replacing Sanjay Balmuchu in their match against Salgaocar, the back four for Mohun Bagan is stable at the moment. It is in the midfield and attack, where Sanjoy Sen will face selection headaches.
Jeje Lalpekhlua started the last match on the bench, with Cornell Glen and Balwant Singh leading the attack. But the Indian forward could make his first start this season, along with Sony Norde in the attack. However, that means youngster Azharuddin Mallick might lose his place in the team.
Bagan have looked defensively vulnerable in both their matches so far, and it is their attacking prowess, which has provided them with the two wins. Sanjoy Sen will hope that Pronay Halder and Souvik Chakraborty can provide more defensive cover in the midfield.
East Bengal will opt for a more traditional 4-4-2 formation. If Do Dong-Hyun fails to regain his fitness, CS Sabeeth is likely to partner Ranti Martins in the attack. Rahul Bheke is expected to return to his role as the right back, in place of youngster Samad Ali Mallick.
East Bengal's wingers, Bikash Jairu, and Sanju Pradhan, will be crucial for their endeavors in this game. Mohun Bagan right back Pritam Kotal has not been in the best of forms so far this season, and he will come under immense pressure in this game.
While defensively East Bengal have looked a better side this season, the fact that they were not able to score against Mumbai in their last game will be a cause for concern.
Prediction
Mohun Bagan 2-1 East Bengal
Predicting the outcome of a derby between these two clubs is a difficult job. However, Mohun Bagan have the stronger squad on paper and given their attacking prowess, they are likely to outscore East Bengal today.