Three East Bengal players who can be difference makers against Mohun Bagan in Kolkata Derby

Kolkata Derby has been moved to Guwahati amid security concerns.

East Bengal are hoping to win their first Kolkata Derby in the Indian Super League (ISL) when they face off against Mohun Bagan on January 11. The Red & Gold Brigade had a sloppy start to 2025 with a heartbreaking loss to Mumbai City recently, causing them to be far further behind in the ISL top-6 race.

Despite their form, the Kolkata Derby is a game where form goes out of the window. Because of the sheer importance of the ‘Boro Khela’ for the fans, East Bengal players will be determined to get one over the Mariners. To do that, they have to produce a truly special performance to oust the ISL league leaders and their entire team needs to produce something extraordinary.

There are, however, a few particular individuals who can give the Torchbearers an added edge if able to tap into their best form against Mohun Bagan. Here we look at the three East Bengal players who can be difference-makers against Mohun Bagan.

3. PV Vishnu

PV Vishnu has been one of the brightest elements of East Bengal’s campaign so far, scoring vital goals and being a breath of fresh air moving through the wide areas. The 23-year-old has scored three goals and provided an assist in 13 matches so far, excelling in being a proactive figure in the wings. He can be a decisive figure in helping East Bengal take the fight to Mohun Bagan and tormenting the Mariners through the wide areas.

Vishnu has that element of surprise in his game in which he can take on defenders, move past them and then deliver creative passes into the final third. He’s also defensively quite sturdy, which can help Vishnu track back and help his side sustain pressure against the Mariners too. If he’s able to nail his final third passes and be unpredictable with his off-the-ball runs to get into goal-scoring areas, Vishnu can spell trouble for the Mariners.

Also Read: ISL: Kolkata Derby shifted from Kolkata to Guwahati amid security concerns

2. Cleiton Silva

Even though he might be having an underwhelming 2024-25 season for East Bengal, injury troubles probably means that Oscar Bruzon will be forced to start Cleiton Silva in the derby. A major reason why the Brazilian forward keeps getting selected is because of his experience factor and versatility to operate more than just as a box striker. The 37-year-old forward can drop deep in midfield to help bring control in possession and is also an asset from set-pieces.

If Silva can get back to his inspired best, he could be a problem for the Mariners. He possesses a pretty good creative sense to send his teammates through on goal with clever passes. Silva is also lethal from direct free-kicks and can finish off chances well from inside the box. The derby might be a final opportunity for Cleiton to save his season because of Richard Celis’ signing, but he could make a difference if he can tap into his most clinical form.

1. Dimitrios Diamantakos

Dimitrios Diamantakos’ form has slipped up in recent games, which has had a direct impact on East Bengal’s form as well. The 31-year-old has eight goals for East Bengal this season, but only three of them have come in the ISL.

It’s time for him to start playing to his reputation and be a more all-round forward than just trying to sneak for chances in the final third. Diamantakos has to be more proactive and efficient to trouble Mohun Bagan, which includes timing his movement correctly to disrupt their backline.

He needs to try and get in deeper to help link up better attacking moves and be more involved in the attacking moves. Of course, Oscar Bruzon would want Diamantakos to be at the end of chances and put his clinical finishing chances to use too. He has to show more hunger to succeed against Mohun Bagan, which includes pressing more aggressively and being smarter in winning duels in key areas.

If he can help link up better with his teammates and, more importantly, get at the end of moves in a more prolific fashion, Diamantakos can add that cutting edge to his side’s attack which could help them get a win.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.