The first Kolkata derby of the ongoing football season is likely to be played at Salt Lake Stadium. The CFL 2024 clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC, initially scheduled for July 13, had its venue to be decided by the IFA.
A source close to RevSportz has confirmed that the high-octane clash is most likely to take place at Salt Lake Stadium, with the kickoff scheduled for 3 pm. The excitement ahead of the first Kolkata derby is palpable. The red-and-yellow brigade opened their CFL campaign emphatically, thrashing Tollygunge Agragami 7-1, while Bagan were held to a 1-1 draw against Bhawanipore FC. Fans are eagerly waiting for the clash between two Kolkata giants.
Given that Salt Lake Stadium offers a large capacity, accommodating around 60,000 spectators, the choice of the venue adds to the anticipation. RevSportz has also learned that both teams are likely to field a few of their senior team players in the game.
So far, the two teams have fielded their reserve sides in the ongoing CFL. However, given the magnitude of the clash, Bagan and East Bengal will leave no stone unturned in their quest to win the first derby of the season. Therefore, they are likely to field a few senior players alongside their reserves.
East Bengal’s senior team has already begun preparations for the AFC Champions League 2 qualifiers under the supervision of Carles Cuadrat. Players like Sarthak Golui, Souvik Chakrabarti and Mohammed Rakip are expected to play for the club in the Kolkata derby, subject to fitness clearance.
On the other hand, Bagan have included Ashique Kuruniyan, Glan Martins and Arsh Anwar Sheikh in their CFL squad. Although Ashique is reportedly not fully fit yet, efforts are underway to make him fully fit before the Kolkata derby.