Preview: Bengaluru FC reignite rivalry with East Bengal

Both teams are placed eighth and tenth on the points table, respectively.

It has not been smooth sailing at the helm for Simon Grayson’s outfit. The goals have dried up considerably due to injuries to key attackers. Clean sheets are being lost due to a mixture of individual errors and moments of brilliance from the opposition. BFC currently sit on eighth with one win, one draw, and two losses.

East Bengal also have just one win to their name but have lost their other four fixtures. Stephen Constantine came in with a transfer war chest and a set of lofty expectations - which have not been met by the players in Red & Gold so far.

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

These two teams shared a fierce rivalry in the I-League, with Bengaluru FC owning the bragging rights. The Blues need a morale-boosting win in front of their adoring fans and getting one past an old rival should re-ignite the Blues’ campaign. BFC play just three home games in their first eight fixtures and it is important to secure full points at the fortress before embarking on challenging assignments away from home.

East Bengal

Stephen Constantine’s men could do with a shift in momentum. The players look out of sorts on the pitch and need a morale-boosting win to steer them back on course. There is a lot of prestige riding on this fixture, and East Bengal have often walked back with a sour feeling of defeat. A win on enemy turf should be one of East Bengal’s highlights of the campaign and could be the catalyst for a mid-season renaissance.

Team News

East Bengal will have three absentees in Alex Lima, Souvik Chakrabarti and Aniket Jadhav. The trio are yet to regain full fitness and are massive misses for EB. Sarthak Golui is suspended after being sent off against Chennaiyin FC.

Prince Ibara is out for a long period, coach Grayson confirmed. Sivasakthi Narayanan is expected to recover from a twisted ankle and make the bench at least.

Head-to-Head

Bengaluru FC and East Bengal have faced each other four times in the ISL. BFC have ended up as winners twice and East Bengal once. The other fixture was a 1-1 draw.

Probable Line-ups

Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Prabir Das, Alan Costa, Sandesh Jhingan, Naorem Roshan Singh, Bruno Ramires, Suresh Singh, Javi Hernandez, Sunil Chhetri, Leon Augustine, Roy Krishna

East Bengal: Kamaljit Singh (GK), Charalambos Kyriakou, Lalchungnunga, Ivan Gonzalez, Jerry Lalrinzuala, VP Suhair, Amarjit Kiyam, Jordan O’ Doherty, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Semboi Haokip, Cleiton Silva

Man to Watch

Alan Costa (Bengaluru FC)

The Brazilian centre-back has been a towering presence in defence for BFC, constantly winning aerial duels and not shrugging away from a challenge or two. He should have a perfect understanding of compatriot Cleiton Silva’s strengths and weaknesses after their stint together last season. Alan has been among the goals as well this year and has scored some crucial ones, including one in the Durand Cup final.

Though he didn't start in the last game, his prior experience of playing with Cleiton might compel Grayson to field him.

Cleiton Silva (East Bengal)

BFC’s best player over the last two seasons in a bio-bubble will strangely make his first appearance at the Kanteerava Stadium and will no doubt receive a hearty welcome from the fans. He has scored two goals this season and looks sharp in front of goal. The BFC defenders should keep a close check on him. If provided space, Cleiton can create havoc!

Did You Know?

• East Bengal’s first-choice front-line of Semboi Haokip and Cleiton Silva have both represented Bengaluru FC in previous years.
• Cleiton was BFC’s top-scorer in the last 2 seasons.
• Semboi Haokip remains to be the only Indian to score a hat-trick in the AFC Cup, that too in BFC colours.

Telecast

The match between Bengaluru FC and East Bengal will take place at the Sri Kanteerava Stadium on November 11 (Friday). The kick-off time is 7:30 pm IST. The game will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match.

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