ATK Mohun Bagan head into Kolkata Derby as favourites in spite of East Bengal’s commanding win over NorthEast United closing week as the two football giants face off at VBKY Stadium.
East Bengal may be eyeing their maiden Kolkata derby win inside the Indian Super League after they face arch-rivals ATK Mohun Bagan at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Saturday.
Both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will come into the derby on the returned of a win and with a purpose to upload some spice to the fixture.
However, there’s no question that the Mariners will be the favourites, having maintained a 100 in keeping with cent win document in the beyond two seasons with four victories in four video games. They are on a six-suit triumphing streak over their opponents.
Earlier this season, the enduring Salt Lake Stadium hosted a Durand Cup derby, the primary after the COVID-19 pandemic. In a sloppy contest, an very own intention from East Bengal handed Mohun Bagan victory.
Nothing an awful lot separates the two teams on the standings as both have three factors every, but the Mariners are ahead at 7th area on intention distinction, with a in shape in hand.
The Juan Ferrando-coached aspect, who had a large 5-2 win over Kerala Blasters, might look to capture the momentum earl on.
For East Bengal, it might be more about proving a factor as they have now not won over their competitors within the ISL.
In truth, they may be but to win a derby when you consider that their 2-zero win within the I-League manner again in January 2019 and Stephen Constantine will look to get the information immediately.
“The Kolkata Derby is the most important game inside the Indian soccer calendar. It is a unique game. So, we’re very excited to face ATK Mohun Bagan. We expect a completely difficult recreation,” he stated.
“I am not interested by one point. I want all three points and I am quite positive that they do as nicely. You don’t pass right into a derby game not seeking to win it.
“I think it’s miles important to focus on that. Everybody desires to win. All the gamers, all of the workforce, and all the fans of each groups. We will try and win this game as that’s how you play this game.” The key man for East Bengal would be Dimitri Petratos who has 3 dreams and supplied assists in appearances as the Ivan Gonzalez-led East Bengal defence will look to stop his early onslaught.
East Bengal’s assault will depend much on the Brazilian Cleiton Silva who has been their top-scorer with two dreams to his name.
East Bengal defeated NorthEast United FC 3-1 for his or her maiden win this season.
“I don’t think we performed notable soccer in the Ultimate game. I thought we did k. We received the game and that’s the primary element,” Constantine stated.
“Tomorrow we are able to should play precise soccer for ninety minutes. It is a very special scenario due to the fact it’s miles the derby.”