With everything set for the Kolkata derby, the fanaticism around the fixture is on the rise as expected.
As East Bengal prepare to host Mohun Bagan in an I-League match on Sunday at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri, The Mariners' head coach Sanjoy Sen conceded that the opponents were a step ahead on the preparations. "Honestly, they are little ahead of us in terms of the performances. They have a really strong team and (are) a lot stronger compared to the last season. But we need to play well," said Sen.
The numbers historically are loaded in favour of East Bengal, victors in 120 of the 315 derbies played till date. They are also arguably the team carrying the better form into this match, with a six-match winning streak since a 1-1 draw in the opening round against Aizawl FC. Both teams have the joint-best defensive record after seven rounds, though East Bengal lead the charts for all teams in goals scored. They have played one game more than both Bagan and Bengaluru FC, their closest rivals on that count.
East Bengal did not conduct any training sessions on Thursday as they decided to provide the players a day off. The Trevor Morgan coached side took to the training ground early on Friday before boarding a flight to Bagdogra in the afternoon en route Siliguri. On the other hand, Sen was seen conducting an extra long session on Thursday at the club grounds, going through specific defending drills. Understandable, as many fingers have been pointed at the porous nature of the Bagan backline.
Even Roomy Hasan, head coach of Colombo FC (Mohun Bagan's recent AFC Cup opponents), termed Bagan's defence 'shaky' and injuries to the trio of Eduardo Ferreira, Kingshuk Debnath and Raju Gaikwad have not made life easier for the former United SC coach.
Sen is leaving no stone unturned in getting his players fit but at the same time, he believes that the derby is not the be-all and end-all of the I-League. "The derby is a game where a lot of emotions get involved into it. The fans want a win at any cost and we will go all out to get a win. I don’t believe that a defeat in the derby will end our chances to win the title," he opined.
The 'home' camp, East Bengal, have won their last six games and are in a good spirits but Trinidadian striker Willis Plaza is taking extra care not to aggravate an injury he suffered during last Sunday's match against Chennai City FC. New Aussie recruit Chris Payne's visa hurdles have been cleared but despite joining the team, he has been effectively ruled out from any action on Sunday. However, he is part of the 20-man-squad Morgan has chosen for the twin encounters in Siliguri - the second one being against Shillong Lajong on February 16.
Expect a cagey contest, with both teams looking to make it tough for the forwards on the other side. East Bengal have the more in-form goal scorers, though, and the individual contests between some of their skilful attacking players and a Bagan backline admittedly low on confidence from recent performances could mean a busy outing for goalkeeper Debjit Majumder. Two years ago, it was his heroics that helped Mohun Bagan to a narrow 1-0 win riding on a Balwant Singh goal, a win that proved crucial as they pipped Bengaluru to the title.
