Mohun Bagan SG vs East Bengal Preview, Prediction, Teams, Timings, Lineups, and How to Watch – ISL 2025-26

The title race for ISL 2025-26 reaches its boiling point as Kolkata rivals East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG face each other at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday, May 17. With both sides level on points at the top of the table, a win for either could be decisive in securing the championship — while the loser faces the bitterest of defeats. khelnow

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Mohun Bagan SG vs East Bengal: Match Details

Mohun Bagan SG vs East Bengal- What’s at Stake

Mohun Bagan SG, under Sergio Lobera, have the chance to win their third straight ISL title. A win in their next two games seals it. Lobera will demand possession dominance, smart build-up play — and above all, clinical finishing, something the Mariners have lacked in recent outings.

For East Bengal, this is the biggest opportunity to end their drought of not having won a major national league title since 2004. Oscar Bruzon needs his side at their energetic best — a sturdy defensive shape and quick, incisive attacking play to take the fight to their fiercest rivals.

Head-to-Head Record (All-Time)

Crucially, East Bengal are yet to defeat Mohun Bagan in an ISL match since the two began playing each other in the competition from 2020. History weighs heavily on the Red and Gold tonight.

Predicted Lineups

Mohun Bagan SG (4-2-3-1): Vishal Kaith (GK); Abhishek Singh, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose; Lalengmawia Ralte, Anirudh Thapa; Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, Robson Robinho; Jamie Maclaren

East Bengal FC (4-3-3): Prabhsukhan Gill (GK); Mohammad Rakip, Kevin Sibille, Anwar Ali, PV Vishnu; Jeakson Singh, Mohammed Rashid, Miguel Figueira; Edmund Lalrindika, Bipin Singh, Youssef Ezzejjairi

Injury news: Mohun Bagan are without Asish Rai. East Bengal miss Saul Crespo and Naorem Mahesh Singh.

Players to Watch

Jamie Maclaren (Mohun Bagan SG) — The Australian striker has scored against East Bengal in both ISL derbies in the 2024-25 season. With 9 goals this campaign — massively outperforming his 5.4 xG — he remains Mohun Bagan’s most lethal weapon. khelnow

Bipin Singh (East Bengal) — The Indian winger has 4 goal contributions this season and a historic record of tormenting the Mariners, having scored crucial goals against them in ISL playoffs during his Mumbai City days. He’ll look to revive that magic at the Salt Lake tonight. khelnow

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Prediction

East Bengal have scored 27 goals in 11 ISL matches this season — the most of any team in the competition — showing they have the firepower to trouble anyone. But Mohun Bagan’s ISL derby record and Maclaren’s big-game pedigree are hard to ignore. Expect a ferocious, end-to-end contest. Our pick: Mohun Bagan SG 2–1 East Bengal FC — but don’t rule out a late equaliser that takes this title race to the final day.

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