Match: SC East Bengal vs ATK Mohun Bagan
Date: 27th November, 2021
Venue: Tilak Maidan, Goa
Time: 7:30 PM (IST)
Arch-rivals for long will collide for points and prestige alike
In the much-anticipated Kolkata derby, ATK Mohun Bagan and SC East Bengal will cross swords as they look forward to renew a century-old rivalry. Mohun Bagan was off to a positive start as they were successful in drubbing a technically undercooked Kerala Blasters. Thanks to a brace from artistic midfield maestro Hugo Boumous, who arrived from Mumbai City FC this season, and a goal apiece from the Fijian captain Roy Krishna and Liston Colaco.
East Bengal managed to draw first blood against Jamshedpur FC, thanks to a fine strike from their newcomer, Franjo Pearce. However, a sloppy defence conceded the lead as Peter Hartley banged the ball into the back of the net after a defensive howler in the Red and Gold attacking third.
Both the teams will have concerns about their defence as it hasn’t really been as promising as their attack in the opening fixture of the tournament. One of the strongest defensive line-ups of 2020-21, ATK Mohun Bagan struggled to plug the void left by their defensive general, Sandesh Jhingan.
East Bengal, on the contrary, has shown zero communication amongst their defenders as they struggled to cast a wall against a mediocre Jamshedpur attacking line-up. However, they will be eyeing a turnaround riding on the burly shoulders of Franjo Pearce who fired home an acrobatic enterprise against Jamshedpur FC, despite the ball taking a sharp deflection to leave Subrata Paul foxed.
Form Guide
ATK Mohun Bagan: WLDWW
SC East Bengal: DLLDW
Team News
Both the teams will be coming to this fixture without much ado as there are no reports of injuries and suspensions at the moment of writing. A full bank will be arriving for both the camps with their individual strengths lying in contrasting aspects.
Even though Carl McHugh and Deepak Tangri picked up bookings in the last game, it won’t be a challenge for Antonio Habas as he has his back-ups in Sumit Rathi and Joni Kauko. Kauko may have played the role of a winger in the last game but his natural game being that of a defensive mid, he can easily switch positions and can make others comfortable around him.
East Bengal has a star-studded defensive line-up that is led by Franjo Pearce and Mrcela while they will be supported aptly by Hira Mondal and Mohammad Rafique. They will have the likes of Adil Khan and Amarjit Singh Kiyam chipping in with their performances while they will rally around Jackichand Singh to deliver the goods upfront.
Predicted Line-ups
ATK Mohun Bagan: Amrinder Singh, Pritam Kotal, Carl McHugh, Deepak Tangri, Subhasish Bose, Hugo Boumous, Joni Kauko, Lenny Rodriguez, Manvir Singh, Roy Krishna, Liston Colaco
SC East Bengal: Arindam Bhattacharya, Franjo Pearce, Tomislav Mrcela, Hira Mondal, Raju Gaikwad, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Sourav Das, Bikash Jairu, Jackichand Singh, Daniel Chima Chukwu, Antonio Perosevic
ATKMB vs SCEB Top Picks
Hugo Boumous, Midfielder, ATK Mohun Bagan
Hugo Boumous has been an illustrious midfielder throughout the echelons of Indian Super League and he will continue being the driving force of ATK Mohun Bagan’s midfield. He scored a rambunctious brace last night which featured an impeccable finish to double Bagan’s cushion. He will be bringing in his artistic wizardry to lead the lines of Mohun Bagan’s glittering attacking unit.
Antonio Perosevic, striker, SC East Bengal
Antonio Perosevic is a prolific goal-scorer and was picked by East Bengal to showcase his exemplary predatory instincts. His towering physical stature and his experience with illustrious clubs in his preceding reputation will provide the much-needed reliability for the Red and Gold Brigade upfront. Despite being the prodigal son in the opening game, he is known for turning around the game in the flash of an eye.
Captain & Vice-Captain Selection
If there is one man who will be leading the baton of captaincy in this prestigious fixture it has to be Mohun Bagan’s primary goal-scorer, Roy Krishna. The man knows the goal inside out and his prolific goal-scoring ability gives him the leverage over others to torment the Red and Gold Brigade. Even though Jackichand Singh has lacked his killer instinct in the opening fixture of the tournament, he is an extremely fast-paced midfielder and his arsenal brags about an impeccable shooting prowess that can easily make him a top-contender for vice-captaincy.
Note: The players recommended here need not be a part of the Playing 11 on game day. Users are advised to do their own research also and follow official sources and create their teams.
