Calcutta Football League 2024: Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details

East Bengal will have the upper hand considering their form in recent matches.

The first Kolkata Derby of the 2024-25 season will see Mohun Bagan and East Bengal face-off against each other in a Calcutta Football League (CFL) group game on Saturday (July 13). Even though both teams are playing their reserve players in this tournament, the clash is still going to retain its fiery atmosphere because it is a Kolkata Derby.

It’ll be an ultimate fight for bragging rights and also an attempt to take a step closer to qualifying for the CFL Championship Round. Whoever wins this one can get an advantage over the other heading into the 2024-25 Indian football season. This tournament serves as the ideal platform for the budding young guns to prove their qualities.

The Stakes

Mohun Bagan

The Mariners have had a shaky start to their 2024 CFL campaign. They have drawn both of their opening matches and looked vulnerable at the back, conceding three goals in two matches already. Deggie Cardozo’s side desperately need a big win to properly kickoff their CFL season.

The Mariners’ players need to be recharged and fully-motivated for this clash and need to bring their best to the table to oust East Bengal. Cardozo needs to make his side tap into their most clinical nature and also improve their defensive structure to frustrate their opponents. A big win can help Mohun Bagan close in on East Bengal on the table and help them climb closer to a top three place.

East Bengal

The Red and Gold have had a perfect start to their CFL season, winning both their matches in comfortable fashion. They have scored 10 goals in their first two matches and are flying high in terms of momentum and confidence levels. Bino George seems to be getting the best out of his talented young team, but they need to prove their quality against a commendable opposition like Mohun Bagan.

He’ll need to ensure that the young players don’t lose their composure or swagger in this intense clash and aren’t intimidated by the atmosphere. If the East Bengal players can retain their cool and keep operating as this well-oiled machine, then they can get another big win. A victory can give East Bengal the push they need to win their CFL group, while a draw or loss could create stumbling blocks in that regard.

Injury & Team News

Both teams are expected to have fully fit squads for this clash.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches – 397

Mohun Bagan wins – 129

East Bengal FC wins – 141

Draws – 127

Predicted Lineup

Mohun Bagan (4-2-3-1)

Raja Barman (GK), Raj Basfore, Dippendu Biswas, Sumit Rathi, Brijesh Giri, Abhishek Suryavamshi, Sibajit Singh, Taison Singh, Serton Kom, Salahudheen Adnan, Suhail Bhat.

East Bengal (4-2-3-1)

Aditya Patra (GK), Bunando Singh, Sarthak Golui, Bathala Sunil, Tanmoy Ghosh, Naseeb Rahman, Tanmay Das, Aman CK, Shyamal Besra, Sayan Banerjee, Jesin TK.

Players to Watch

Suhail Bhat (Mohun Bagan)

Suhail Bhat is eyeing the possibility of breaking into the Mohun Bagan senior squad this season and it’s games like this he needs to be the hero in to achieve that dream. The young forward is coming into the derby in some impressive form, having scored an inspired double in the  Mariners’ recent draw against ASOS Rainbow.

Bhat is physically adept to trouble defenders, can win key duels in the opposition half and is an unpredictable threat because of his off-the-ball movement. He needs to link up smartly with his teammates to trouble the East Bengal backline and sneak into key goalscoring areas. Suhail can be a big problem for the Red and Gold, if able to tap into his ruthless nature and finish whatever chances he gets.

Sayan Banerjee (East Bengal)

Sayan Banerjee was one of East Bengal’s breakout youngsters of last season and appeared to win over Carles Cuadrat with his exciting ability. He has been placed in the CFL squad to help improve his match sharpness and allow him to gain some momentum before the 2024-25 domestic campaign kicks off.

Banerjee has already been a hit for East Bengal in the CFL, having already scored three goals in the two matches. The young winger will look to be a menacing figure for the Mariners, tormenting their defenders with his dribbling ability and clever movement in the final third. He’ll also look to maintain his impressive goalscoring by pouncing on chances and ensuring joy for East Bengal.

Did You Know?

• Sayan Banerjee became East Bengal’s second-youngest goalscorer in the ISL last season with his goal against Punjab FC.
• East Bengal have won the CFL title a record 39 times.
• Mohun Bagan have won it 30 times in their history.

Telecast Details

The match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will kick off at 3:15 pm on Saturday, at Salt Lake Stadium. The match will be shown live on Zee 24 Ghanta and live streaming is available on the Zee5 app as well as on Zee 24 Ghanta’s YouTube channel.

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