East Bengal seek redemption, as Mohammedan SC chase their first win

A fortune test for Oscar Bruzon after the Kerala clash

The Indian Super League 2025-26 season has slowly taken shape, with the teams looking very sharp in their mindset and tactics. But on the other hand, many teams are still chasing their first ISL win this season. As this season promises you a new format like no other previous campaign, the bottom team, who have the fewest points, will get relegated to the Indian Football League.

East Bengal FC is set to welcome their Kolkata-based rival, Mohammedan SC, on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 19:30 IST at Salt Lake Stadium. This match got postponed from March 21 cause of EID, and now it will be played on March 23.

The Red and Gold Brigade will look to bounce back against the Black Panthers in their next match before International Brake. This match could be a fortune test for East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon, as he got booed and protested with his permanent departure from this team. Against Mohammedan SC, he will be eager to secure the three points while the Black Panthers are still searching for their first win this season.

The Stakes

East Bengal FC

East Bengal FC have started their ISL 2025-26 season with a mixed tone, as they played their first three matches very well. The team looked very oriented and sharp against SC Delhi and Northeast United FC. But in the recent matches, the team looked very possession-less. As the homebound of management and coaching regarding their recent performances were standstill, they find themselves in a high-stakes derby where pride is on the line.

After the recent draw against Kerala Blasters FC and FC Goa, the team will now need to look for solutions. The team is more than enough to put up a good fight against Mohammedan SC. The Red and Gold Brigade will be aiming to correct their mistakes, tighten their defence, and rediscover their attacking rhythm. Players like Youssef Ezzejari, Miguel Figuera and Edmund Lalrindika will be key figures of the match. Kevin Sibble, the defender from Argentina, had joined the team and started recovering from his injury.

Mohammedan SC

The Black Panthers are the ones who are fighting against all odds and relegation. With Kerala Blasters FC, Mohammedan SC have not won any match in ISL 2025-26. The financial and previous season’s condition cost them; they played with an all Indian squad with less experience in this competition.

Under the guidance of head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Mohammedan SC had a difficult start that has left them in a poor standing. As things stand in the new ISL system, every dropped point carries added weight, and this will be a major concern for the team.

Mohammedan SC have conceded 10 goals in the last four matches of the ISL 2025-26 season. Under the guidance of Mehrajuddin Wadoo, against East Bengal FC, the Black Panthers need to focus on their games and look to score first as they want control.

Team News

Both teams have a fully fit squad available for their upcoming fixture.

Head-to-head records

• Matches played: 17
• East Bengal FC wins: 12
• Mohammedan wins: 1
• Draws: 4

Predicted Lineups

Mohammedan SC

Subhajit Bhattacharya (GK), Hira Mandal, Gaurav Bora, Pukhrambam Meitei, Sajad Parray, Amarjit Singh, Lalremsanga Fanai, Mahitosh Roy, Tangva Ragui, Makan Chothe, Fardin Ali Molla

East Bengal FC

Gill; Rakip, Jeakson Singh, Anwar Ali, Lalchungnunga; Edmund, Miguel Figueira, Mohammed Rashid, Mahesh Singh, Bipin Singh; Youssef Ezzejjari

Player To Watch Out For

Miguel Figuera (East Bengal FC)

Against the Mohammedan SC, controlling the midfield will be the main factor for East Bengal FC. Miguel Figuera, the Brazilian midfielder, put up a good output against the Black Panthers. He can dictate the tempo of the game. He has been very instrumental against all the teams East Bengal FC has played for.

Miguel, in the midfield role behind the attacking line, will add more spark to the team. Mohammedan SC will add more power to their midfield and defence to stop Miguel’s line-breaking passes through the defence. Even though he failed to demonstrate a benchmark performance in the last two matches, the midfielder would be looking forward to netting goals against Mohammedan SC, who have been relatively underperforming, to secure all three points for East Bengal FC at home.

Mahitosh Roy

Mahitosh Roy, the Bengali midfielder from Mohammedan SC, scored a goal against Bengaluru FC. Despite the club’s winless start to the campaign, Roy has provided the team’s most significant offensive highlight. The midfielder has been a consistent performer under Mehrajuddin Wadoo’s starting XI.

His goal against Bengaluru FC’s star goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu took the limelight. Mahitosh Roy was very crucial for Mohammedan in the previous matches. The coach will start him in the attacking midfield position to create some chances against East Bengal FC.

Telecast details

East Bengal FC is set to welcome their Kolkata-based rival, Mohammedan SC, on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 19:30 IST at Salt Lake Stadium. The match will be live-streamed on FanCode and broadcast on Sony Sports Network.

Where to watch the ISL 2025-26 match live globally outside India?

Outside India, in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 matches will be live-streamed on the FanCode app.

Begin Watch is the official broadcast partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.

In all other remaining countries, live streaming will be available on the FanCode YouTube channel.

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