As the 2016-17 I-League season enters its third week, we have the first marquee clash as Kolkata giants East Bengal host defending champions Bengaluru FC.
For the Red and Gold brigade, two away victories on the spin has instilled much-needed confidence. But, they will rue their draw to Aizawl at home in the opener as title-rivals Bengaluru and Mohun Bagan walk into this round with a cent percent record.
Though Bengaluru FC are coming to Kolkata after three cleansheets and three convincing victories at home, the team from India's IT City will have a task on their hands when they step onto the Barasat pitch on Sunday evening. All eyes will be on the returning Harmanjot Singh Khabra, a former East Bengal skipper, who has reinvented himself at Bengaluru as a right wing-back.
Head coach Albert Roca has been beaten only once in his BFC career - in the AFC Cup final last season. For him, this will be his first away match in the national competition and his first taste of a Kolkatan side.
As far as the personnel on the pitch are concerned, the potential battle between CK Vineeth and Ivan Bukenya should be interesting. The Malayali striker has scored four goals in three games, including a hat-trick in the previous game. On the other hand, the Ugandan defender is tall, strong and has a knack of heading in goals - he already has two goals this season.
However, it is too early to say that this game might be a potential title-decider but a win here will take the teams a long way on the path to silverware. Oh yes, Robin Singh might face his old club Bengaluru too, provided he is not 'rested' by Trevor Morgan. He did not even make the bench in the previous game against Churchill Brothers.
Kick-off is at 4:30 PM IST on 22nd January, Sunday, at the Vidyasagar Krirangan (Barasat Stadium) in Kolkata.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
EAST BENGAL
Injured: Anwar Ali, Arnab Mondal
Doubtful: Robin Singh
Suspended: None
Key Player: Ivan Bukenya
BENGALURU FC
Injured: Lalthuammawia Ralte, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai, Rino Anto, Salam Ranjan Singh, Keegan Pereira, Gursimrat Singh Gill
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Key Player: CK Vineeth
THREE KEY POINTS
- The last time Trevor Morgan faced a Bengaluru-based team (HAL in 2011/12) from the East Bengal dug-out, he managed to beat them in both legs which included a dominating 8-1 away victory.
- In six I-League meetings between these two teams, honours are shared three apiece with no draws between them. First three won by East Bengal, recent three by Bengaluru.
- Sunil Chhetri has either scored or been booked in the last four clashes between these teams.