The biggest derby in India takes centre-stage on Sunday as Mohun Bagan lock horns with East Bengal in what promises to be a humdinger of an I-League encounter.
Bagan vs EB are never tame matches, and a lot of excitement, hopefully without too many red cards, or crowd trouble, will be expected at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday evening.
All eyes will be on East Bengal's new coach Armando Colcaco, who takes over from the unpopular Marcos Falopa.
Colaco was appointed the new EB coach last week and the former Dempo and India boss already set about winning the East Bengal fans' hearts by saying his team will beat Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata derby on Sunday.
"I am ready. I have seen Dempo versus Churchill, or Dempo versus Salgaocar," Colaco said. "So I am not new to the derbies. It's just that hype surrounding an East Bengal versus Mohun Bagan match is so huge, the players become very nervous. For me, if you ask, it's just another game...nothing more than that. We have a good bunch of players and I am confident we will win on Sunday."
Colaco insisted East Bengal, currently tenth with seven points from five games, have the squad capable of winning the I-League. "I believe that East Bengal have class," he said. "There are a few players who are a bit off-form right now.
"It's good to see the team blooming at the right time. I love taking new challenges, that's why I've come here to take charge of the team ahead of the derby. All I-League matches are equally important to me. If we lose (against Bagan), will East Bengal be finished? I have faith in my boys and they will do well."
Bagan also have not been doing too well, and sit eighth in the table with ten points from eight matches. A win over their biggest rivals could be just the kind of confidence-booster needed to make a charge towards the top - the same can be said for East Bengal, of course.
Team News: Colaco has a fully fit squad to choose from, but Bagan will be without Zakeer Mundampara and Ecehzona Aniyichie. Main man Odafa Okolie, though, is fit and raring to go in a huge boost for Bagan.
Where to Watch Live
The game is scheduled for a 5pm IST start with live coverage on Ten Action. For international viewers, you can catch the action via live streaming by clicking HERE.
