Kolkata Derby: East Bengal on the Hunt for First Victory over Mohun Bagan in ISL

Mohun Bagan Super Giant is set to face off against East Bengal FC in the highly-anticipated Kolkata Derby of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday. The Mariners will be aiming to continue their dominance over their city rivals, as they have secured victory in eight out of the nine matches between the two teams in ISL history. East Bengal FC, on the other hand, has yet to secure a win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the competition. Currently sitting comfortably at the top of the table, Mohun Bagan Super Giant has been in outstanding form, scoring a total of 22 goals against East Bengal FC. Led by a formidable attacking unit comprising Dimitrios Petratos, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Jamie Maclaren, and Jason Cummings, the team has been relentless in front of goal, averaging an impressive 2.4 goals per game against their city rivals, which is the second-highest against any opponent in the league. Fans can expect an exciting and action-packed showdown between these two fierce rivals in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Additionally, the Mariners have been solid defensively, with their total goals conceded against East Bengal FC (5) being the least they have given away against any team with whom they have played at least twice. With both teams eyeing important points, Mohun Bagan Super Giant will be looking to maintain their unbeaten streak, while East Bengal FC will be hoping to break their arch-rivals' stronghold and avoid another loss.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant have recorded a 79.2% passing accuracy against East Bengal FC in the ISL, which is their second-best against any opponent behind the 82.5% they have registered against Punjab FC. East Bengal FC will have to discover a way to break down the cohesiveness in the Mariners' passing patterns to not let them orchestrate the flow of the proceedings.

The Mariners will be targeting their fourth league double against East Bengal FC in the ISL. Against no other team have they scaled this feat more times in the competition (also NEUFC - 3 league doubles in 2021-22, 2023-24, 2024-25). Mohun Bagan Super Giant have netted in each of their nine ISL encounters against East Bengal FC.

East Bengal FC have struck the third-least goals (16) in the ISL 2024-25. They have thus strengthened their frontline by signing Venezuelan striker Richard Celis until the end of the season. Celis, 28, has represented clubs such as Atletico Venezuela CF, Deportivo JBL, Caracas FC and Academia Puerto Cabello, and can play down the centre as well as through the left flank, arguably making up for the absence of attacking midfielder Madih Talal. Whether Celis plays any part in this match remains to be seen though.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina played down their impressive track record against East Bengal FC in the ISL.

"What we did in the ISL so far doesn't matter in tomorrow's game. We need to perform well, defeat them in the 90 minutes tomorrow on the pitch," he said.

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East Bengal FC head coach Oscar Bruzon backed his players to perform well in the Kolkata Derby.

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"We have to optimise the resources that are available to us and we have full confidence in the players who will take the field to play in the Kolkata Derby," he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)