DSK Shivajians entertain East Bengal at Balewadi

The Pune side begin series of home games against the side from Kolkata...

DSK Shivajians will face off against East Bengal at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune on Saturday.

The visitors come into the game having drawn their first fixture against Aizwal FC. East Bengal went a goal behind in the first half after defender Gurwinder Singh had inadvertadly turned the ball into his own net. EB trailed for most of the second half, until new signing centre-back Ivan Bukenya scored a last ditch equaliser for his team. Coach Trevor Morgan focussed on the positves, pointing out that he was pleased with the point earned rather than losing all three. 

DSK Shivajians themselves had a worse start to their campaign, losing to cross-state rivals Mumbai FC in a closely contested 1-0 defeat. Dave Rogers' side did produce a fighting performance and might consider themselves unlucky to end up on the losing side. The greatly revamped squad will be looking for a better start to their series of home games, a run which sees them play four home games in a row. 

Team News

While the home team failed to get the desired result in Mumbai, their performance certainly must have encouraged Rogers and an unchanged line-up would not be surprising. With no injury worries for the side, Rogers could go with the same starting XI.

East Bengal annouced the big return of their former striker, Robin Singh, back to the club. The Indian striker joins from Bengaluru FC, and could slot straight into the starting XI for a side short on strikers. 

Head To Head

The teams have squared off twice so far, with both teams winning a game each. Although, it was DSK that ran out 2-0 winners in the corresponding fixture last season. 

Man To Watch

Kim Song-Yong-DSK Shivajians: The North Korean striker joined the Pune outfit from Bengaluru FC, where he made a handy contribution in their title winning run. The striker made a very a decent contribution in the opening encounter in Mumbai for his current side and was unlucky to not get on the scoresheet. He could be the key man in attack for a DSK side that'll be desperate for a positive result. 

Robin Singh-East Bengal: The man of the moment for the Kolkata club, Robin Singh's return has brought great hope and expectations for the supporters. Back at the club where his senior career took off, Robin will be hoping to regain his old form after an average ISL season with struggling FC Goa. 

Probable Team Line Ups

DSK Shivajians: (3-5-2) Poirei, Kolunija, Mohd. Dhot, Sairat Kima, Pradhan, McFaul, Mawihmingthanga, Kawlhring, L. Chhangte, Quero, Song- Yong

East Bengal: (4-1-4-1) Rehenesh, Bheke, Rafique, Wedson, Jackichand, Borges, Mehtab, Gurwinder, Das, Poojary, Singh

Broadcast

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The game will not be live on TV but you can catch all live commentary on the match at khelnow.com