MARGAO, Feb 18: Already out of the play-offs reckoning, a beleagured SC East Bengal would look to spoil arch-rivals and leaders ATK Mohun Bagan’s party when they face each other in an Indian Super League match here on Friday.
As the Kolkata derby marks its 100th year, since the Cooch Behar Cup in 1921, SC East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan find themselves in contrasting positions in the ISL table.
ATK Mohun Bagan, impressive from day one of the season, are at the very top of the table and are favourites to walk away with the League Winners’ Shield and an automatic group stage berth in the AFC Champions League next season.
SC East Bengal, on the other hand, are out of contention, unable to recover from a poor start to the season despite improved displays in the second half.
As the two teams take on each other in a landmark Kolkata derby at the Fatorda Stadium, a lot more than three points will be at stake.
For Robbie Fowler, who will be watching from the stands as he is serving a four-match suspension, and his team, it will be an opportunity to give their fans something to brag about in a season where they haven’t had too many chances to do so. For Antonio Lopez Habas ad his players, a victory is essential in their march to the title.
In any other year, this would be a fixture witnessed by a packed Salt Lake Stadium. This time, the stands at the Fatorda will be empty, but two of the biggest fan bases in the country will be watching with bated breath from their homes.
Throughout the season, the Mariners have been more consistent, scoring more and conceding fewer goals compared to their rivals.
After 17 games, ATK Mohun Bagan (36 points) have secured more than double that of East Bengal’s points tally (17), highlighting the gulf in class between them. (PTI)
