I-League: Round 19 Preview – Derby Weekend

Ten teams are in action this round before the first international break of 2014. Four of the five fixtures will be televised including the two derbies on Saturday. Arch-rivals East Bengal and Mohun Bagan have both been winless after the break so each side will be under even more pressure to grab the bragging rights. They have met twice already this season with a win for each team but East Bengal have the chance to do the double over their fierce rivals for the first time in the I-League era.

The other local battle of this matchday involves the two clubs from Maharashtra – Mumbai FC and Pune FC. Like East Bengal, Mumbai would also be looking to do the double, having won 2-1 earlier in the season. But despite being the home side, Mumbai will once again be playing in Pune’s home venue, the Balewadi Sports Complex, as the Cooperage Stadium in Mumbai is still not ready to host I-League matches. Pune need maximum points to maintain their title challenge but fatigue will be a concern for Mike Snoei as they made their AFC Cup debut in midweek.

There are two other fixtures where there is huge contrast in the form and league position of the teams involved. The first of those takes place on Friday when relegation-threatened Mohammedan Sporting entertain title-chasing Sporting Clube. Mohammedan have lost their last four league matches while Sporting Clube are on a five-match unbeaten run. But the Kolkata giants will take confidence from their 3-1 win over Sporting Clube in Goa back in October and look to get their first win in eight league matches.

On Saturday it will be last against first in Shillong as Rangdajied United takes on Bengaluru FC. It is the clash of the I-League debutants but they have completely different targets for the rest of the season. Financial power and professionalism has seen Bengaluru not only become a serious title contender but also establish themselves as an example for the rest of the league. Rangdajied were the surprise second division champions last year and always expected to struggle because of the lack of quality in their squad.

But the loan deals of IMG-Reliance contracted players and the recent addition of Ranti Martins has given them a fighting chance. There has been a change in the coaching department as well with Hering Shangpliang replacing Santosh Kashyap as the new head coach. Shangpliang’s former club Shillong Lajong are having a great season though as they are currently fourth but need a point at least against Salgaocar on Friday to remain in that position. The two sides are seven points off the top so whoever wins this encounter in Goa will remain in the title mix.

Fixtures

Friday: Mohammedan Sporting vs Sporting Clube (16:00; LIVE on Ten Action), Salgaocar vs Shillong Lajong (18:00; LIVE on Ten Action)

Saturday: East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan (17:00; LIVE on Ten Action), Rangdajied United vs Bengaluru FC (17:00), Mumbai FC vs Pune FC (19:00; LIVE on Ten Action)

Game of the round

East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan

Success in a local derby usually has more significance than the three points but as East Bengal and Mohun Bagan have found out this season, sometimes the impact of those wins can be overrated. Back in November, when East Bengal defeated Mohun Bagan 1-0 thanks to a wonder-strike from Lalrindika Ralte, the general feeling was that the result would be the catalyst of the red-and-gold brigade’s title challenge. But after that win Armando Colaco’s side have recorded just two victories in their next seven I-League fixtures and are struggling to even remain in the title race.

Similarly when Mohun Bagan edged past their bitter rivals 1-0 in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) last month, it was termed as the turning point of their season. The Mariners had won that game thanks to a fine goal from Katsumi Yusa but it was an inconsequential contest as East Bengal had already clinched the CFL title and their coach Armando Colaco wasn’t even in Kolkata due to personal reasons. Karim Bencherifa’s side built on that win by reaching the Federation Cup semis but lost to Churchill Brothers and then an early exit from the IFA Shield ensured a fourth straight trophyless season.

It’s fair to say that sometimes winning the derby can be misleading because the coach, players, fans and the club officials forget about the problems and focus on enjoying the bragging rights. The Big Two of Kolkata have been going backwards every year both on and off the pitch and one of the reasons is the fact that they are often obsessed with just winning the derby. The I-League title has remained elusive since 2004 and it is likely to remain that way for a few more years unless there is a major turnaround in the functioning of the clubs.

Mohun Bagan are enduring one of the most torrid phases of their history and their top flight status is still far from safe. Their future also doesn’t look too bright as there seems to be no end to the internal problems at the club. East Bengal have been one of the most consistent teams in the last three seasons but they too underestimated the importance of stability and didn’t do everything to retain Trevor Morgan as coach. His successor Marcos Falopa never looked like a long-term replacement and now even the legendary Armando Colaco is struggling to get the best out a squad that was once again overworked during the I-League break.

Another a huge turnout is expected on Saturday and despite all the negatives mentioned above, this fixture remains the biggest advert for Indian football. But even a victory for either side will only be a temporary reprieve.

Players to watch out for

Foreigner: Katsumi Yusa (Mohun Bagan)

The Japanese stepped up in the CFL derby last month but has been far from his best since the Federation Cup semi-final defeat to Churchill Brothers and thus will be determined to produce another fine display against East Bengal.

Indian: Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

The absence of the India captain due to suspension was heavily felt by Bengaluru in the draw with Mumbai FC last weekend. Sunil would be aiming to have a huge impact against Rangdajied in what incredibly will be his first-ever competitive match in Shillong.