Calcutta rivals face do-or-die situation

Both teams are expected to go all out in the crucial tie, as they are way behind the two Goan outfits.

But at the same time, none of the two local outfits can afford to lose, as it might mean curtains for them as far as the title is concerned.

East Bengal, who opened the preliminary league engagements with a string of victories and sailed into the Super Six topping their group, failed to keep up the momentum in Margao, where they lost to Salgaocar, and drew three other matches. Their only win was against FC Kochin.

Bagan, on the other hand, began on a lacklustre note, and at one point of time, even their chance of making it to the Super Six was in doubt. But the green and maroon brigade found their bearings in the later stages and finally finished as group champions to progress into the Super League.

The clash between the two teams had ended in a 1-1 draw at Margao, with Jo Paul Anchery striking for Bagan, and Saroj Das restoring parity for East Bengal.

East Bengal will be bolstered by the return of mid-fielder Emmanuel Opoku and central defender Jackson — both of whom had to cool their heels in the side lines in the Bagan match at Margao. While Opoku had a double booking, Jackson missed the match after being marched out in East Bengal’s previous exchange against Salgaocar.

Another good news for the red and yellow brigade coach Manoranjan Bhattacharjee is the return to form of the nimble-footed Baichung Bhutia, who has already scored six goals, two less than the lanky Raman Vijayan, the main scorer for East Bengal.

Vijayan is now the second highest scorer in the league after Churchill brothers’ Philip Mensah, who has struck 10.

On the other hand, Bagan coach PK Banerjee would be relying heavily on the mercurial IM Vijayan who has five goals to his credit.

Nigerian veteran Chima Okerie, suffering from a nagging injury, is also reportedly keen to turn out against East Bengal. “I know, my team failed to click in Goa, but with the vociferous support from the crowd, I think we will be able to put up a better performance in the Calcutta matches,” Banerjee said.