I-League: Round 5 Preview – Top spot up for grabs

Game of the round

East Bengal vs Dempo

East Bengal would be aiming to beat Dempo before their AFC Cup semi-final 2nd leg against Kuwait SCPhoto Credit: WSG

This fixture has traditionally been a title decider over the years but the early signs are that it may not be the case this season. Although it’s still early days, East Bengal could potentially end Dempo’s title challenge after five rounds because maximum points in this game will see the red-and-gold brigade go three points clear of the five-time record Indian champions with three games in hand.

Dempo are already seven points off the top and thus even a draw in this game won’t really help their title aspirations. Head coach Arthur Papas had been away in Australia to sort out some visa issues but he is back for this game and will be encouraged by his team’s second half display against Salgaocar. The likes of Beto, Clifford Miranda and Jeje Lalpekhlua really stepped up after the interval and a similar performance will be required to beat East Bengal, who on paper look clear favourites to win the title.

East Bengal’s Brazilian coach Marcos Falopa has so far passed his tests but will be well aware that a bad result in this game would put pressure on him to secure a passage to the AFC Cup final, something which looks daunting on paper against defending champions Kuwait SC. It would also affect the confidence of the squad which is expected to deliver the club’s first league title in nine years.

The Kolkata club already have a big fixture backlog both in the I-League and Calcutta Football League so only wins can help them keep going in a season that promises to be long and tiring. They will be confident of maximum points against Dempo but must respect the Goan side’s qualities and avoid complacency.

Since it’s a new era for Dempo under Papas, the Australian will be given time to rebuild the team but another defeat could seriously affect the team’s morale. Dempo have some history against them in this fixture as they haven’t beaten East Bengal in their last eight encounters in all competitions. But the Kolkata club too has failed to win their last three games in Kalyani. One of those sequences is likely to change in this clash.

Players to watch out for

Foreigner: Darryl Duffy (Salgaocar)

The Scotsman has settled well into Indian football having scored in each of the three games so far and will be determined to continue that run against Mumbai FC. Salgaocar don’t have enough strength in depth in attack thus their title aspirations will depend heavily on Duffy’s finishing.

Indian: Jeje Lalpekhlua (Dempo)

Jeje was the last Indian player to reach double figures in the I-League and this term he is the only Indian to score more than once. The Mizoram striker played on the wing against Salgaocar but still managed to get on the scoresheet. He would be hoping to play upfront and have a huge impact against East Bengal.