Kolkata: The stage is set for an enthralling clash as Federation Cup holders East Bengal take on defending champions Dempo in I-League football at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Saturday.
East Bengal now face the biggest challenge of proving themselves in the League, where Dempo are the master and have already set their camp on the top of the current standings. East Bengal are the fourth with seven points.
The expectations are on ascendance more because the match at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium will see the two of the most tactically proficient coaches – East Bengal’s English coach Trevor James Morgan and his highly decorated Indian counterpart Armando Colaco leading Dempo’s fortunes – facing each other.
“East Bengal have one of the best coaches currently working in India,” said Colaco. “East Bengal is a set team and is playing in a good rhythm and we would hope for a good match on Saturday.”
Strengthened by the addition of the much-flaunted EPL recruit – Rohan Ricketts – in their ranks, Dempo attack appears to have gained more edge as Colaco will have a wider option alongside his two regular attackers Koko Sakibo and Joaquim Abranches.
There have been reports of a brewing disagreement between Colaco and Ricketts about the playing position of the player.
The coach preferred a withdrawn position while the latter looked for a purely offensive role. Both have denied this as media speculations and have insisted on having the perfect harmony in the side.
The Dempo midfield remains one of their high points with the presence India campaigners Climax Lawrence and Clifford Miranda in prominent positions in the middle of the park.
After their hard fought win over Pune FC in the previous match, East Bengal will have to raise their game to find a footing against Dempo. East Bengal have a statistical advantage over the Goa giant having won 10 and drawn 6 in overall 26 meetings in the National/I-League.
The stats overwhelmingly favour the hosts in the matches played at the Salt Lake Stadium, where East Bengal won eight out of the 10 meetings.
“Records don’t count in a situation where we are up against a very good side. It will be a new match and will have different equation,” Morgan said dismissing the favourites tag based on statistics. “We are looking for three points and records don’t matter here,” the coach added.
One aspect that will encourage the East Bengal fans is that Morgan has an enviable record against Dempo. East Bengal, under Morgan, have won five, drawn one and lost just once in the seven meetings between the two sides. (IANS)