The iconic Kolkata Derby is back, reigniting one of the fiercest rivalries in Indian football as Mohun Bagan Super Giant faces off against East Bengal in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season.
Scheduled for Saturday, October 19, at Kolkata’s historic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), the match promises a football spectacle that has the entire city brimming with anticipation. This clash is not just about points; it’s about pride, legacy, and the burning desire for supremacy between two of the country’s oldest football clubs.
East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Match Preview
Mohun Bagan Super Giant enter the Kolkata Derby on the back of a confident 3-0 win against Mohammedan SC. Their coach, José Molina, will be aiming for back-to-back wins and clean sheets, a first for the team this season. The Mariners have transformed their home ground into a fortress, scoring at least two goals in 11 of their 12 home matches in 2024. Their attacking stats are unparalleled in the league, with an impressive average of 7.3 shots on target per game and a 55.8% shooting accuracy—the highest in the competition.
With 29 goals at the Salt Lake Stadium in 2024, Mohun Bagan’s prolific offense poses a significant threat to any defense, making them favorites in this encounter.
In contrast, East Bengal FC are still searching for their first win of the season. They have suffered four consecutive defeats, making this one of their worst starts in ISL history. Their dismal record against Mohun Bagan further compounds their woes, with the Red and Gold Brigade winless in the last eight ISL derbies, conceding at least two goals in each match.
New head coach Oscar Bruzon faces a daunting task in his debut derby, as he looks to steer his side out of their slump. Despite having key players like Madih Talal contributing in attack, East Bengal’s defense remains porous, and they will need a complete team effort to hold off Mohun Bagan’s rampant offense.
Mohun Bagan’s attack has been ruthless, especially at home, while East Bengal’s defense has looked shaky at best. With the Mariners boasting exceptional attacking stats and Greg Stewart’s pinpoint deliveries from set-pieces, East Bengal will need to be at their very best defensively. Anwar Ali will have to organize his backline effectively and ensure they remain vigilant against the clever movement of Maclaren and Petratos.
East Bengal will rely heavily on their midfield to break Mohun Bagan’s rhythm. Talal’s passing prowess, particularly in the final third, could provide the spark for the Red and Gold Brigade. If East Bengal can control the tempo of the game and supply their forwards with enough opportunities, they may stand a chance of disrupting the Mariners’ game plan.
East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Head-to-head
ISL Head-to-head
- Matches Played – 8
- East Bengal wins – 0
- Mohun Bagan wins – 7
- Draws – 1
All-time Head-to-head
- Matches Played – 399
- East Bengal wins – 142
- Mohun Bagan wins – 130
- Draws – 127
Key Players to Watch
Dimitri Petratos – Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Dimitri Petratos has always been a significant threat in Kolkata derbies, contributing five goals against East Bengal in previous encounters.
However, he has only found the back of the net once in his last six ISL matches, and this derby offers him a perfect opportunity to regain his goal-scoring form. Petratos’ precision from set pieces and open play will be vital to Mohun Bagan’s attacking strategy.
Jamie Maclaren – Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Jamie Maclaren, the Australian striker, is another player who can make a difference in this derby. Despite injury setbacks earlier in the season, Maclaren showcased his lethal finishing in the 3-0 victory over Mohammedan SC, scoring a well-taken goal.
His intelligent off-the-ball movement and clinical positioning make him a constant menace for opposing defenders. Maclaren will be eager to cement his status as a Mohun Bagan hero by delivering a match-winning performance against East Bengal.
Anwar Ali – East Bengal FC
All eyes will be on East Bengal’s defender, Anwar Ali, who made a controversial move from Mohun Bagan during the summer transfer window. With the derby presenting him a stage to silence critics, Ali’s performance will be pivotal.
His ability to read the Mariners’ attacking moves, paired with his smart passing and decisive challenges, could either make or break East Bengal’s chances of securing their first victory of the season.
East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Team News
East Bengal
East Bengal might see the return of Dimitrios Diamantakos for this match, though his availability to start remains uncertain. Additionally, Naorem Mahesh Singh is also doubtful for the game.
East Bengal: Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper – Debjit Majumder
- Defenders – Mohammad Rakip, Anwar Ali, Hector Yuste, Provat Lakra
- Midfielders – Jeakson Singh, Saul Crespo, Souvik Chakrabarti
- Forwards – Madih Talal, Nandhakumar Sekar, Dimitrios Diamantakos
Mohun Bagan
Mohun Bagan will be closely monitoring Sahal Abdul Samad’s fitness, as he was sidelined during the October break due to an injury concern.
Mohun Bagan: Predicted Lineup (4-4-1-1)
- Goalkeeper – Vishal Kaith
- Defenders – Asish Rai, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose
- Midfielders – Anirudh Thapa, Lalengmawia Ralte, Manvir Singh, Greg Stewart
- Forwards – Jamie Maclaren, Dimitri Petratos
East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Match Prediction
Given Mohun Bagan’s superior form and attacking depth, they appear to have the upper hand going into the derby. However, derbies are known for their unpredictability, and East Bengal’s desperation for a win could fuel a surprise result. While East Bengal are hungry for their first win of the season, Mohun Bagan’s offensive firepower is expected to be too much for their rivals to handle.
Prediction: Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 East Bengal FC.
When and Where to Watch the Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal showdown is scheduled for Saturday, 19 October, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, with a 7:30 PM IST kickoff. Fans can catch the live broadcast on Sports 18 and stream it online via Jio Cinema. International viewers will also be able to watch the match on the OneFootball app.
Read More: England’s Managerial Hunt: Ancelotti and Guardiola Approached Before FA Settled on Thomas Tuchel
When is the East Bengal FC vs Mohun Bagan SG match?
The East Bengal FC vs Mohun Bagan SG clash is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. The match will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.
