I-League: Five key fixtures until the March international break

East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan (Saturday, March 1; LIVE on Ten Action)

The third and final big Kolkata derby of the season is significant for each side for different reasons. Title favourites East Bengal need to win to maintain their consistency in the hope of ending the long wait for a league crown but arch-rivals Mohun Bagan will be desperate to claim the bragging rights and bring some joy to their fans who are set to endure a fourth straight trophyless season. In fairness even a draw could give Mohun Bagan supporters something to cheer about as it would dent the title hopes of East Bengal, who can’t afford too many slip-ups especially in home games after dropping 15 points from their first 11 fixtures. The red-and-gold brigade also have the added incentive of doing the double over their fierce rivals for the first time in I-League history while the Mariners are aiming for their second straight derby success of this campaign after winning the Calcutta Football League fixture 1-0 in January.