Calcutta Football League 2024: East Bengal's predicted lineup against Mohun Bagan in Kolkata Derby

East Bengal will be the favourite to grab a victory against their arch-rivals.

The Red and Golds have started the Calcutta Football League 2024 season with back-to-back victories. They will be hoping to keep up their winning streak when they play their first derby of the 2024–25 season on July 13 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, against their bitter rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

With six points after two games, East Bengal are in third position in the standings. Winning this game would help them further in their campaign. On the other hand, Mohun Bagan will need to win this game because they have tied both of their previous matches.

The Red and Golds appear to be a more cohesive squad amongst the two with both sides staging their young prospects for the tournament. Both tacticians will be eager to get the game underway with their strongest squads.

East Bengal will be fighting to assure themselves a berth in the Calcutta Football League 2024 Super Six stage, while Mohun Bagan will be trying to secure their first victory. Let’s take a look at Khel Now’s predicted XI as Bino George considers his options for the best potential starting lineup for the Kolkata derby.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Aditya Patra

The Red and Golds’ first-choice custodian in the reserve team, Aditya Patra will be serving as the last line of defense against the stealth counters of Mohun Bagan’s strike force which has got the likes of promising youngsters, Suhail Bhat and Adil Abdullah.

Left Back: Tonmoy Ghosh

The former Diamond Harbour FC and Southern Samity full-back will be in charge of procuring the left flank in the Kolkata Derby on Saturday. The experienced 32-year-old defender joined the Red and Golds before their CFL 2024 campaign and his wealth of experience will be crucial while playing against the likes of Suhail Bhat and Taison Singh of Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Right Back: Bunando Singh

A Reliance Foundation graduate, Bunando Singh, will be entrusted with the duty to guard the right flank. The young, offensive full-back, with his pace, could move up and over the flanks and can prove clinical while a quick counter attack is orchestrated down the flanks.

Center Back: Sarthak Golui

The former Chennaiyin FC defender, Sarthak Golui, will act as East Bengal’s primary defensive lineman. His defensive prowess while playing deep in the defensive third, switching courses in quick succession, his strong aerial agility and ball-winning ability make him the perfect leader who leads from the back when facing a team with the same portfolio as the Green and Maroons.

Center Back: Bathala Sunil

Formerly a part I-League outfit Sreenidhi Deccan, Bathala Sunil, will be joining the experienced Sarthak Golui in the East Bengal defense against Mohun Bagan Super Giant to guard the defensive third in the Kolkata Derby. The youngster will certainly be all pumped up for the big game ahead and his performance might prove to be a valuable contribution for his side.

Center Midfield: Naseeb Rahman

Following his string of outstanding performances in the CFL 2024, Naseeb Rahman might have an impact on the Kolkata Derby. He produced two vital contributions in East Bengal’s 3-1 victory against George Telegraph. He was also very precise with his passes in the midfield. Naseeb’s box-to-box style of play makes him Coach Bino George’s first-choice midfielder for the next game against their arch-rivals, Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Central Defensive Midfield: Tanmay Das

The defensive midfielder with a strong right foot will be assigned to the middle third to handle the defense. With his ability to win possession of the ball and direct play in the midfield to build up the attack, he will also be crucial in orchestrating the team’s game plan.

Left Wing: Aman CK

The talented youngster will be amongst the key players for Bino George’s East Bengal against their arch-rivals, Mohun Bagan Super Giant. With his dribbling prowess and sheer game intelligence, Aman CK can be the one to make the necessary difference in the game.

Right Wing: Sayan Banerjee

When the winger joined East Bengal’s starting lineup in ISL 2023–24 and performed well against the heavyweights, he quickly won over fans with his extraordinary abilities, speed, and on-field mindset. With his skillful dribbling and deft movement in the final third, the youthful winger will provide a frightening threat to the Mariners’ defense.

Attacking Midfield: Shyamal Besra

Shyamal Besra has shown himself to be one of East Bengal’s most important young players for the next campaign. At the close of the previous season, the young player was called up to the first team after making significant contributions to the reserves.

He is one of East Bengal’s young growth prospects who has been elevated by Carles Cuadrat. In the RFDL campaign last season, Shyamal Besra excelled, scoring five goals and winning five Player of the Match honors.

Striker: Jesin TK

In CFL 2024, the 24-year-old winger has already begun to demonstrate his efficacy. He has scored in both of East Bengal’s last two matches. In the first, he converted a penalty, and in the second, he found the back of the net in the 47th minute.

In ISL 2023–24, his skill earned him some playing time against FC Goa and Kerala Blasters. Bino George will find Jesin TK to be quite helpful in the current competition as well.

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