ISL 2023-24: East Bengal vs Bengaluru FC: Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details

Both teams desperately need three points to stay in the ISL top-six race.

East Bengal host Bengaluru FC in a potential Indian Super League (ISL) playoff decider at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Sunday (April 7). Both teams are sternly in the race to secure that sixth place finish and separated by a single point, and with the crazy competition around this, this match almost has the same vibe as a mini ‘title decider’.

The Stakes

East Bengal

East Bengal produced arguably their best performance of the second leg of the ISL season in a thrilling win over Kerala Blasters. In doing so, Carles Cuadrat’s side amped up their momentum just in time for the final stretch of the campaign. However, the pressure is still piled on the players to maintain this kind of performance until the season is over.

The Red & Gold Brigaders need to be energized and motivated by their home support to take the fight to their long-term Indian rivals. They need to be defensively much sturdier and maintain their ruthlessness in finishing off chances. A win can elevate East Bengal’s chances of getting that playoff spot heading into the final game week, but a draw or loss can perhaps end their ISL season itself.

Bengaluru FC

Having picked up seven points from a possible 12 in their last four games, Bengaluru FC have fought hard to keep their ISL playoff dreams alive. The Blues have the experience of making it to the ISL knockout stages, having done it so many times in the last five years. However, it’s time to put that experience to use and oust the Kolkata side.

Bengaluru FC have similar stakes on the line as East Bengal. The Blues also need to treat this as a do-or-die finale and pour their heart and soul into it to get a win. They are well aware that a loss can more or else drop them out of that sixth-place race, which is why Bengaluru must fight hard to secure a big win.

Injury & Team News

East Bengal have a fully fit unit for this match. Suresh Singh is suspended for Bengaluru FC.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches Played – 7

Bengaluru FC wins – 3

East Bengal wins – 3

Draws – 1

Probable Lineups

East Bengal (4-2-3-1)

Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Harmanjot Khabra, Aleksandar Pantic, Hijazi Maher, Nishu Kumar, Souvik Chakrabarti, Saul Crespo, PV Vishnu, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Aman CK, Cleiton Silva

Bengaluru FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Nikhil Poojary, Aleksander Jovanovic, Shankar Sampingiraj, Naorem Roshan Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Keziah Veendorp, Sivasakthi Narayanan, Javi Hernandez, Ryan Williams, Sunil Chhetri

Players to Watch

Saul Crespo (East Bengal)

Saul Crespo has had an excellent return from injury and is acting like a commanding leader who pushes East Bengal forward in the ISL playoffs race. The Spaniard has shown guts of steel in their last two games, scoring three goals and helping his side be incisive all through midfield. Crespo will play a key role against this well-structured Bengaluru FC side in terms of retaining possession and creating chances.

The 27-year-old has to play a progressive attacking style, using his creativity to open up the Bengaluru backline and send his teammates through into open spaces. He must also time his movement properly to remain a goal-scoring threat and be clinical in his set-piece routine to help East Bengal break down the Bengaluru side.

Javi Hernandez (Bengaluru FC)

Javi Hernandez has been a driving figure in the Bengaluru FC midfield and played a big role in keeping them afloat in the playoffs race. He’s scored five goals in 19 games, including two in the last four. Hernandez is a really smart footballer who uses his IQ to outwit opponents on the pitch, be it with his smart off-the-ball movement or link-up play.

He can get into the tight spaces in the final third with ease and will look to do just that to torment East Bengal. Hernandez will try his best to slither into goal-scoring positions and put his finishing ability to good use. Incidentally, the Spaniard is yet to record an assist this season – a feat he aims to change by delivering pitch-perfect passes into the final third to bring chaos into East Bengal’s backline.

Did you know?

• East Bengal’s win over Kerala Blasters was only their second away win in the 2023/24 ISL league stages.
• Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has made more saves (61) than any other goalkeeper in the ISL so far this season.
• Saul Crespo is enjoying his best goal-scoring season with East Bengal, having failed to score a single goal with Odisha FC in the ISL.

Telecast

The East Bengal vs Bengaluru FC game will be played at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on April 7. Live streaming and broadcast of the game will be available on the JioCinema app and Sports 18 1/VH1 channel. Viewers from abroad can use OneFootball to stream the game. Kick-off is at 7:30 PM IST.

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