Preview: SC East Bengal meet in-form ATK Mohun Bagan in Kolkata Derby

While the Mariners won their first game, SCEB were held to a draw in their campaign opener.

The Kolkata Derby is always a much-anticipated event, with football fans all around the sub-continent waiting with bated breath. Despite the new settings in the Indian Super League (ISL), the old rivalry continues to simmer and makes for a high-octane watch. The new man at the helm for SC East Bengal, Manolo Diaz, has not yet tasted success in the league, having drawn their first game against Jamshedpur FC. Meanwhile, his compatriot in the opposite dugout, Antonio Habas, started off the new campaign with a win for ATK Mohun Bagan.

The much-awaited clash between SC East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan will be held at the former's designated home ground, the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, Goa. Kick-off will be at 7:30 pm on Saturday. This is also going to be the first double-header day of ISL 2021-22, with Mumbai City set to lock horns with Hyderabad FC at 9:30 pm.

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SC East Bengal Vs ATK Mohun Bagan: The Stakes

The Red and Gold Brigade will look to work on their mistakes from the draw against Jamshedpur. Repeating them against an experienced ATK Mohun Bagan side may prove costly. While they do have brilliant individual players, they are yet to find good chemistry within the team. That's something that will surely take time, but a win in the Kolkata Derby will go a long way for the team’s morale and confidence.

With a win, ATK Mohun Bagan will find themselves at the top of the table, at least for the time being. After their thumping 4-2 victory against Kerala Blasters in the league opener, they would want to continue their fine form against a nervy East Bengal.

Apart from the three points, a sense of pride is always at stake whenever these two football giants meet.

Team News

SC East Bengal will have a fully fit squad, as there are no news of any injury issues within the camp following their first outing. ATK Mohun Bagan will most likely miss the services of Tiri, who was also unavailable for their first match due to an injury.

SC East Bengal Vs ATK Mohun Bagan: Head-to-Head

Last season, the Mariners beat then-newcomers SCEB in both the derbies. 2-0 and 3-1 were the score-lines. SC East Bengal are hence yet to register a win against ATKMB in the ISL.

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Probable Lineups

SC East Bengal (4-4-2): Arindam Bhattacharya (GK), Mohammed Rafique, Franjo Prce, Tomislav Mrcela, Hira Mondal, L. Hnamte, Sourav Das, W. Angousana, B. Jairu, Amir Dervisevic, Antonio Perosevic.

ATK Mohun Bagan (4-3-3): A. Singh (GK), Pritam Kotal, McHugh, D. Tangri, S. Bose, Hugo Boumous, L. Rodrigues, J. Kauko, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Roy Krishna.

Man to Watch

Antonio Perosevic (SC East Bengal)

The Croatian showed his class on his ISL debut against Jamshedpur. He was pivotal in making the runs behind the opposition’s defensive line and was seen creating a number of chances for forward,Daniel Chima. He himself had a few opportunities, but unfortunately couldn’t capitalize on them.

Perosevic also setup his team's only goal in that match, which was slotted home by defender Prce. He will be looking to be as involved in the derby as possible and perhaps get his name on the scoresheet.

Hugo Boumous (ATK Mohun Bagan)

The French midfielder put in an impressive display of flair and technical brilliance, as he opened his goalscoring account for the season against Kerala. His brace helped his team immensely in their first fixture. He is someone who can dominate the midfield with his excellent vision and composure on the ball. Going forward, he has a terrific shot in him. The East Bengal midfield will have to be at their best to contain the genius that is Boumous.

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Did You Know?

• Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia holds the record for the most number of goals scored by a player (19) in Kolkata Derbies.
• The first Kolkata Derby took place in August, 1921, more than 100 years ago!
• East Bengal have come out victorious in more meetings (129) than Mohun Bagan (119), but in the ISL they are yet to beat the Mariners.

Telecast

The match will take place on Saturday, November 27. Kick-off will be 7:30 pm (IST) as mentioned earlier. The match will be broadcasted on the Star Sports Network and live-streamed on the Disney+Hotstar platform and the Jio TV app.

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