Pride will be at stake in I- league’s first derby this season when bitter foes East Bengal and Mohun Bagan clash in front of a sellout crowd at the gigantic Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan here on Saturday.
The arch-rivals have met once earlier this season, in a local league match, when East Bengal demolished Mohun Bagan 4 -0 to lift a sixth successive, and a record 37 overall title.
But much water has flowed under the Howrah bridge since the two met back in September and East Bengal, for a change, will start as underdogs against Mohun Bagan, the defending champions who are on a roll with two wins on the trot.
Arrival of Haitian forward Sony Norde, who was instrumental in their maiden I-league triumph last season, just ahead of the match adds sting to their already potent strike force that has seven goals from two matches.
Balwant Singh, who has scored opening goals in two matches, is a doubtful starter owing to a groin injury. Star Indian forward Jeje lalpekhula may start alongside Cornell Glen, while Katsumi Yusa and Sony Norde will add value from behind as Sanjoy Sen may go with 4-4-2 formation.
But the green and maroon fans are not ready to budge as all their hopes hinge on star player Norde, who is getting all the attention since his arrival in the wee hours of Monday.
East Bengal’s new recruit and French defender Bernard Mendy is virtually ruled out due to Visa issues.
“I don’t want to talk about a person who is unavailable. I will try to fight with my available resources,” East Bengal coach Biswajit Bhattacharya said.
‘Dong is doubtful’
East Bengal star forward Do Dong Hyun is a doubtful starter for the derby clash, Bhattacharya said on Friday.
Known for his sublime freekicks, the South Korean, who had starred in their 4-0 rout of Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata league triumph, is recovering from a calf injury.
“At the moment there’s still a question mark on Dong. He’s not in right shape. We will wait and watch till the last moment and take a call after the assessment,” he added.
Bhattacharya, however, said his team will make a big statement on Saturday.
“It’s good to see there’s so much of enthusiasm for the match. I don’t want to say anything big here. I believe in my team and we will prove that in the result. I’m very much satisfied with my defence and confident of a good show.
I-league winning Mohun Bagan coach Sen said they’re not bogged down by the weight of expectations.
“We’re always hopeful of getting three points. We don’t want to talk big but to play and show on the ground. Favourites tag is not a headache. I know my limitations well, the strong and weak points.”