I-League 2017: East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan, Predicted Lineups

The first Kolkata derby of the I-League season is upon us. With just a few hours left for kick-off the city of Kolkata is divided into parts, either it is the Red and Gold of East Bengal, or the Green and Maroon of Mohun Bagan. The City of Joy is also witnessing a Kolkata derby after a span of two years in the historic Salt Lake Stadium, the home of Indian and Kolkata football.

Both the teams have had similar starts in the I-League, giving up leads and conceding late on to get just a point from their opening fixtures. Most recently, the two teams had met in the Calcutta Football League derby and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

On that note, lets take a look at what could transpire in one of the biggest atches in Indian football, and how the two teams could line up against each other.

Mohun Bagan

Mohun Bagan will try to get the better of their city rivals who pipped them to win the Calcutta Football League for the 8th time running. They will be without their star Aussie midfielder Diogo Ferreira, who is still doubtful for tomorrow’s tie. It will also be the first time Sanjoy Sen comes face to face with Khalid Jamil in a derby.

Bagan will rely heavily on Sony Norde to work his magic again in the derby. Whereas they will also be wary of their defence who have looked a bit shaky in the opening game against Minerva. The likes of Azzaruddin Mallick, who scored a screamer in the last derby is also doubtful.

As it is Bagan’s home game the Green Maroon’s will look to gain all three points from the tie. But in truth, there is no actual home team in the Kolkata Derby, and both the sides start equal on the day. Bagan will also hope that their forward trio of Dicka, Kromah, and Norde can come in handy and score a few goals.

Mohun Bagan Probable Starting XI (4-4-1-1): Shilton; Gurjinder, Kingsley, Kingshuk, Ricky; Shilton D’ Silva, Yuta Kinowaki; Sony Norde, Kromah, Chesterpaul; Aiser Dipanda.

Mohun Bagan Probable Starting XI

East Bengal

East Bengal played a really good game against defending champions Aizawl FC, but they only have themselves to blame as they gave up a two-goal lead to allow Aizawl creep away with a point. A lot has been said about the East Bengal midfield this season, which boasts of the likes of Al Amna, Katsumi Yusa and Bazzou.

The captain for this season Arnab Mondal is likely to be dropped from the 18-member squad, after rumours of an apparent rift with coach Khalid Jamil started doing the rounds.

Khalid Jamil will look to make a couple of changes from the game against Aizawl as the likes of Danmawia are slated to start the game and Md. Rafique could be dropped to the bench. Chullova is another Aizawl player who could start in place of Deepak Kumar.

East Bengal will rely heavily on the attacking powers of Amna, Katsumi, and Plaza. They will also be hoping that Bazzou can keep a check on the Mohun Bagan midfield can break down the Mariners game in the midfield. Khalid will also like to use his wingers Brandon and Danmawia who have tons of pace to create havoc in the Bagan defence.

East Bengal Probable Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Mirshad; Mehtab, Salam, Eduardo, Chullova; Bazzou, Amna, Katsumi; Brandon, Danmawia, Plaza.

East Bengal Probable Starting XI

Prediction

Mohun Bagan 1-2 East Bengal

It promises to be a cracker of a game, and calling a clear-cut winner is a tough ask, but we think East Bengal are set to see the game though, just because of their midfield, and the way they played in their previous match.