East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Three key battles that could decide ISL 2024-25 Kolkata Derby

Both teams are gearing up for this exciting contest.

It’s time for the biggest match in Indian football, the highly awaited century-old Kolkata derby is set to happen this Sunday. Two pioneers of Indian club football Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC are set to clash at the iconic Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan on October 19, for their fifth Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25) clash.

The two teams are in different forms, before entering the high-voltage fixture. Defending champions Mohun Bagan are standing at the fourth spot, with two wins, a draw, and a loss.

In contrast, East Bengal are yet to earn a point in the league. The Red & Gold brigade are the only side to have lost all their games in the ongoing ISL.

The Mariners, who are technically the “away side” in the derby, started dull, but are now looking strong after a victory with sheer dominance against Mohammedan Sporting in the other Kolkata mini derby.

East Bengal, who dreamed of progressing well after a promising transfer window are now baffling at the bottom of the table. Things became so bad that East Bengal had to let go of their Super Cup-winning head coach Carles Cuadrat.

ALSO READ: Looking back at past Kolkata derbies in ISL era

Having said that, East Bengal should not be considered ‘underdogs.’ In a Kolkata Derby, it’s a battle for every inch, and only the team that outlasts the other in front of thousands of fans will emerge victorious.

On that note, let’s have a look at the crucial on-field battles that would dictate the fate of this clash as Jose Molina and Bino George’s men come against each other.

1. Jeakson Singh vs Greg Stewart

Both Stewart and Jeakson Singh are new arrivals at their respective clubs, and both are showing their quality, with consistency. Stewart with his magical skills and thirst for goals will be a big threat for East Bengal. 

Jeakson Singh, a dominant Indian midfielder in present times, has been signed for a hefty transfer fee from Kerala Blasters. His role will be simple in the game, blocking Stewart & hence diffusing all chances created.

Jeakson however has been a bit off in the recent games and was benched in the last one. He needs to show his class in this one to compensate for the losses, as Stewart looks deadly, with his playmaking, having scored one and assisted thrice in the past four games.

2. Madih Talal vs Apuia

Coming from Mumbai City FC, Apuia showed some glimpses of his class and consistency. Playing as a defensive midfielder, he never shies away from blocking the incoming threats. His role will be to protect the backline from any possible chance created, especially from the opponent’s pivot Talal.

Madih Talal, who was probably the best playmaker of ISL 2023-24, faced some crunches before the international break. Talal, a natural attacking midfielder was often seen performing roles of a defensive midfielder in the past few, and maybe that backfired. He needs to dominate the midfield be aware of tackles made by Apuia and cater to the forwards.

3. Anwar Ali vs Jamie Maclaren

This will probably be the biggest duel in Kolkata football this season. The Anwar Ali transfer saga was one of the biggest controversies in the Indian football scenario in the past few seasons. He has changed sides from Mohun Bagan to East Bengal, which followed a lot of drama, and court cases.

Fans of the two clubs have different views on the deal, and the sensation it received will give Anwar a lot of pressure. He has looked dull in the three games he played so far, but he cannot afford to defend poorly in the derby.

Up against the centre-back will be the biggest signing in ISL this season. Jamie Maclaren, the A-League legend is yet to prove his worth on Indian soil.

He already made his impact with a goal against Mohammedan Sporting Club, now a goal against East Bengal, after getting past the defensive duo of Hector Yuste and Anwar Ali (both Mohun Bagan players from last season) will surely make him a hero.

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