I-League 2015/16 – Time for East Bengal to make a statement against DSK Shivajians
After settling for a point in the underwhelming Kolkata derby against Mohun Bagan, and with Bengaluru issuing their statement of intent against Shillong Lajong, East Bengal have the chance to make a retort tomorrow when they host DSK Shivajians, in what will be their first home game of this season.
East Bengal have made an unbeaten start to their campaign with one win and two draws so far – but that also means that they have already dropped four points, in a shortened version of the I-League this season. Winning their home games will be of paramount importance, and they have a great chance to do so against a DSK Shivajians side, who are yet to score so far.
The Pune-based side played out a goalless draw against Sporting Clube de Goa in their opening game, followed by a 2-0 defeat away to Aizawl. It seems like it will be a very long season for Derrick Pereira's men, and they can easily turn into the whipping boys of the league.
Team news
East Bengal received a major boost ahead of their derby clash when forward Do Dong-Hyun, who had picked up an injury in the training session, was declared fit to play.
East Bengal midfielder Harmanjot Singh Khabra, who started the last match on the bench, has also returned to full fitness, and he could 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.
Arnab Mondal will retain his place in the side, despite his poor performance against Mohun Bagan. The Indian international has struggled with his form since the start of second season of the Indian Super League with Atletico de Kolkata, but manager Biswajit Bhattacharya will have to persist with him due to lack of other options at the moment.
DSK Shivajians have a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of this match, but after failing to score in their opening two matches, Derrick Pereira is likely to make some changes to his attack. Mohammed Rafi and Israil Gurung are expected to make it to the starting line-up.
Prediction
East Bengal 2-0 DSK Shivajians
Their opponents might be the new kids on the block, but this is a very important game for the Kolkata giants. The reduced length of the league means teams will have very little time to recover, and East Bengal will have to make a statement in this game, in order to establish their title credential.