KOLKATA: Kingfisher East Bengal welcome new boys DSK Shivajians to Kolkata in a Round 4 Hero I-League encounter on Republic Day this year.
While the Red and Golds managed to pick a point in the eponymous Kolkata Derby against bitter rivals Mohun Bagan, DSK were defeated away from home against Aizawl FC.
The away side had started off against Sporting clube de Goa with a goal less draw in Goa but could not earn a point in Mizoram.
Veteran coach Derrick Pereira conceded that it won’t be easy to earn a point against East Bengal especially after they put up a good display in the Kolkata Derby.
Pereira will persist with Aser Dipanda in attack while maintaining a 4-5-1 formation with Milan Singh in midfield along with Douhou Pierre marshalling the midfield.
The Red and Gold brigade will be all fired up after putting up a gallant display against Mohun Bagan. Biswajit Bhattacharya did not want to discount DSK Shivajians and said, “I am good friends with Derrick (Pereira) and they are a tough team. We have to be at our prime form to clinch a win against them.”
Arnab Mondal will look to partner with Bello Rasaq at the back while Do Dong Hyun will link up with Ranti Martins up front. Biswajit was relieved as Cavin Lobo is showing good sign of recovery and he is likely to feature in the starting lineup tomorrow.
While Derrick Pereira will look to garner his first three points, East Bengal need to make the most of their home matches to prove themselves to challenge for the title this season.
