The famed Kolkata Derby returns with a new chapter in the Indian Super League (ISL) as East Bengal FC face off against debutants Mohammedan SC at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium.
This match, marking ISL’s 1001st game, presents the first-ever clash between these two Kolkata giants in the competition. With both teams seeking a much-needed boost this season, Saturday’s showdown promises intensity, skill, and rivalry on the grand ISL stage.
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East Bengal vs Mohammedan SC: Preview
The Kolkata Derby is one of Indian football’s most anticipated fixtures, rooted in tradition and fierce rivalry. With Mohammedan SC joining the ISL this season, this face-off brings the two Kolkata powerhouses together on an elevated platform. Despite challenging starts, both teams view this game as an opportunity to gain momentum. East Bengal and Mohammedan SC currently hold the 12th and 13th positions, respectively, and each will be eager to start climbing up the standings.
East Bengal FC has struggled on home ground, losing their last two matches at the Salt Lake Stadium. The Red & Gold Brigade will aim to break this losing streak, with a victory against their arch-rivals potentially sparking a season revival.
While East Bengal has shown quality in building up attacks, they’ve struggled to convert these chances into goals. They have scored only four goals despite an impressive passing accuracy of 68.2% in the final third, the highest in the league. Averaging 115.7 passes per game in this crucial area, East Bengal needs to translate these numbers into a clinical finish to secure points against Mohammedan SC.
Mohammedan SC has demonstrated resilience on the road, with a win and a loss in their two away fixtures. A victory against East Bengal would place them among an elite group as only the third team in ISL history to win two of their first three away games, following in the footsteps of Bengaluru FC and ATK. The debutants will look to capitalize on East Bengal’s defensive vulnerabilities to achieve this feat.
One area Mohammedan SC must address is their aerial defense. Having conceded five headed goals, they’ve struggled against teams with strong set-piece capabilities. Mohammedan’s backline will need to be vigilant against East Bengal’s set-piece plays, especially as East Bengal’s Madih Talal has shown a knack for drawing fouls, offering chances for aerial threats near the goal.
East Bengal FC head coach Oscar Bruzon emphasizes a disciplined approach, particularly when the team loses possession. Bruzon remarked, “The game has got national importance. We have massive confidence. Our approach towards the game in difficult moments, when we lose the ball, especially during defensive transitions, is very important.” Bruzon is focused on preventing costly turnovers and ensuring defensive stability against Mohammedan’s attacking moves.
Mohammedan SC head coach Andrey Chernyshov highlights the need for a collective defensive approach. Chernyshov stated, “This is not only about defence. It starts with our attacking players. It’s about being together – the whole 11 players pressing high.” His strategy underscores the importance of team-wide effort in defense, as individual mistakes have cost Mohammedan crucial points this season.
As East Bengal and Mohammedan SC prepare for this high-stakes derby, both sides recognize the impact a win could have on their season. The Red & Gold Brigade will look to break their home losing streak, while Mohammedan SC aims to assert their presence in their debut ISL season. Fans can expect a fiercely competitive game that will either witness East Bengal rekindling their form or Mohammedan SC making a statement on ISL’s historic 1001st match.
East Bengal vs Mohammedan SC: Head-to-Head
For the first time in ISL history, these two teams will rekindle their longstanding rivalry. Here’s a look at how their matchups unfolded in the I-League (or National Football League).
- Matches Played – 11
- East Bengal wins – 9
- Mohammedan Sporting wins – 0
- Draws – 2
Key Players to Watch
Saul Crespo ( East Bengal)
Saul Crespo, averaging 66.4 touches per game, has been instrumental for East Bengal. Operating as a pivotal presence in midfield, Crespo’s playmaking skills offer East Bengal a solid foundation, helping dictate the game’s tempo. His influence will be crucial for East Bengal’s success against Mohammedan SC.
Madih Talal (East Bengal)
East Bengal’s Madih Talal draws an average of 2.7 fouls per game, creating frequent set-piece opportunities. Only Bengaluru FC’s Alberto Noguera and Edgar Mendez have averaged more. Talal’s agility and skill in the final third could prove valuable in a tight contest, potentially setting up scoring chances from dead-ball situations.
Mirjalol Kasimov (Mohammedan SC)
Mirjalol Kasimov has excelled defensively, leading the league with an average of 6.8 recoveries per match. His remarkable ability to regain possession strengthens Mohammedan’s defensive unit, making him a key player to watch in breaking down East Bengal’s attacks.
Alexis Gomez (Mohammedan Sporting)
Alexis Gomez has been a standout performer for Mohammedan Sporting this season, adding energy and creativity to their attack. In his six appearances, he has scored one of Mohammedan’s three league goals and posed a constant threat in the opposition’s half. The 24-year-old averages two chances created and 39 passes per game, working tirelessly to propel his team toward success.
East Bengal vs Mohammedan SC: Team News and Predicted Lineups
East Bengal – Team News
Mark Zothanpuia, sidelined since the Kolkata Derby defeat to Mohunbagan, is expected to miss this match as well. Hector Yuste remains out due to injury, and Provat Lakra is suspended following his red card against Odisha FC.
East Bengal – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – Prabhsukhan Gill
- Defenders – Mohamad Rakip, Anwar Ali, Hijazi Maher, Lalchungnunga
- Midfielders – Sauvik Chakrabari, Saul Crespo, Madih Talal
- Forwards – Naorem Mahesh Singh, Nandhakumar Sekar, Dimitrios Diamantakos
Mohammedan SC – Team News
Mohammedan Sporting will be without midfielder Abdul Kadiri, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Mohammedan SC – Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1)
- Goalkeeper – Padam Chhetri
- Defenders – Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak, Gaurav Bora, Florent Ogier, Zodingliana Ralte
- Midfielders – Amarjit Kiyam, Mirjalol Kasimov, Lalremsanga Fanai, Makan Chothe
- Forwards – Alexis Gomez, Carlos Franca
East Bengal vs Mohammedan SC: Match Prediction
East Bengal enters this match on a six-game losing streak in the ISL 2024, while Mohammedan SC faces a three-game losing run this season. This Bengal derby marks the first ISL encounter between these two rivals.
Prediction – East Bengal FC 2-1 Mohammedan SC
When and Where to Watch the Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The East Bengal vs Mohammedan Sporting match is scheduled for Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, kicking off at 7:30 PM IST. The game will be broadcast live on Sports 18 and streamed online on Jio Cinema and Jio TV. International fans can catch the action on the OneFootball app.
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When and where is the East Bengal vs Mohammedan SC match?
The match takes place on November 9, 2024, at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, with kickoff at 7:30 PM IST.
How can fans watch the East Bengal vs Mohammedan SC game?
The match airs on Sports 18, streams on Jio Cinema and Jio TV, and can be viewed internationally on OneFootball.
Who are the key players missing this game?
East Bengal’s Mark Zothanpuia, Hector Yuste, and Provat Lakra are out, while Mohammedan SC’s Abdul Kadiri is out for the season.
What are the recent forms of East Bengal and Mohammedan SC?
East Bengal is on a six-match ISL losing streak, while Mohammedan SC has lost their last three games.
