Anwar Ali to face his former side in a high voltage Kolkata Derby (Image: EBFC/MBSG)
Right after the Durga Puja break in Kolkata, the city gears up for another spectacle — the Kolkata derby between East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. Asia’s oldest derby and one of the most exciting clashes in Indian football, this game is expected to be a cracker of a contest, irrespective of the current form of both sides.
The Mariners come into this match after a thumping 3-0 victory over another Kolkata side — the debutants, Mohammedan SC. Meanwhile, the Red and Golds have yet to open their accounts in four games in the current ISL. This might be a make-or-break game for East Bengal because they are on an eight-game losing streak and need to salvage something from this match for the league ahead. As the records say, East Bengal are yet to register their first win against Mohun Bagan in the last eight ISL derbies. They have conceded at least two goals in each of these fixtures.
Though a home game for East Bengal, their rivals have a spectacular record at the venue. They have scored in each of the 12 home games in the league in 2024 and at least twice in 11 of those games. However, the ongoing season saw multiple defensive lapses from the Jose Molina-coached side – conceding seven goals in their last four games.
Things are yet to fall into place for East Bengal. They come into this match after a 2-0 away defeat to Jamshedpur FC, which was the first match under interim coach, Bino George, who is expected to handle the derby charges because the new head coach Oscar Bruzon is yet to spend some time with the squad.
A few injury concerns gloom the East Bengal dressing-room. Winger Naorem Mahesh Singh is reportedly out due to a groin injury, while Greek striker Dimitri Diamantakos is not fully fit. Brazilian forward, Cleiton Silva might start for East Bengal along with P Vishnu or Sayan Banerjee.
Winless after four games of the ISL season, East Bengal have already made a coaching change. Mohun Bagan are one of the title favourites. On Saturday, Kolkata derby traditions that go back 100 years will be revived.#KolkataDerby
For Mohun Bagan, coach Molina clarified at the pre-match press conference that the squad is injury-free. Though both Sahal Abdul Samad and Ashique Kurunyan are recovering from injuries, they were seen practicing with the senior team and are available for selection. The question remains: are they match fit, especially for such a high voltage clash?
All eyes will be on East Bengal defender Anwar Ali. Fans from both sides will have contrasting feelings towards this talented Indian centre-back. Will Anwar receive a hostile ‘Luis Figo welcome’ from his former club fans? We will have to wait for the answer.
Another centre-back Hector Yuste also returns against his former side. East Bengal’s defensive pair will have to work hard against their former club to keep their formidable attacking force at bay along with Debjit Majumdar under the bar, another former Bagan player.
Despite some controversies regarding the high-priced tickets, it is expected to be a nearly full house on Saturday evening. East Bengal fans will have to back their team in the tough times, while Bagan fans will make life difficult for their opponents. Bagan, currently in fourth place in the league table, are favourites on paper. But it’s always a 50-50 in a derby.
Coach-speak
Jose Molina: As I said earlier, there is no favourite in a derby. If people think we’re the favourites, then thanks to them – we’re doing good; but it doesn’t matter in this match. I am just happy that everyone is available for selection in this important match. I will try my best to field the best XI and win this match.
Bino George: We’re not under pressure. Maybe Mohun Bagan will be under more pressure than us (laughs). We haven’t got any points in the last four games and our main aim is to turn things around from this match. We urge the fans to come and support us. We will give our hundred per cent.
