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The lines have been drawn, and the dye has been cast, as two of the biggest clubs in Indian football are set to renew their age-old rivalry ahead, in their very second match of the I-League, at the Salt Lake Stadium, on Sunday.
The two sides had been looking at a shift from the I-League to the cash-rich ISL, but the move has been delayed an could possibly take place next year, if it happens at all. This makes this game all the more special, as we could very well be witnessing one of the last Kolkata Derbies in the I-League.
To add to that, the biggest game in Indian football also returns to the iconic venue of the Salt Lake Stadium is set to host this fixture for the first time in over two years.
The two sides last faced off in the Calcutta Football League, where they were both vying for the title, earlier this year. However, East Bengal, who were ahead on goal difference, got the crucial 1-1 draw that they needed, and secured an eighth title in as many years.
However, the Red and Golds have been inconsistent with their title challenge in the I-League over the years, and with Bengaluru FC now out of the picture, it will be interesting to see how the go about their task of winning the league. They have roped in Khalid Jamil as their head coach. Jamil had impressed last year, as he took minnows Aizawl FC to the I-League title, ahead of giants like East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC.
Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on the absence of Bengaluru FC in the league, to go ahead and win it. However, they got off to a poor start against Minerva Punjab in their opening match as they were held to a 1-1 draw via a last-minute goal.
Mariners’ coach Sanjoy Sen came under some criticism after the game due to his defensive tactics, but that is an aspect that has served him well so far in his tenure at the Green and Maroon club. His main worry though, is an expanding injury list; Diogo Ferreira is injured, while Yuta Kinowaki is making a comeback from injury, and a call will be taken on his availability before the game.
East Bengal have a completely different concern, though, with reports of a rift between captain Arnab Mondal and Khalid Jamil gaining momentum.
All in all, it promises to be a cracker of a derby, to set the I-League season off.
Where and when to watch
Broadcast: Star Sports
Kickoff Time: 2 pm
Live Streaming: Hotstar
