East Bengal at ISL 2023-24: Torch Bearers have long way to go to qualify for play-offs

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East Bengal will have to work a lot to secure their spot for the Indian Super League play-offs. They are currently sitting in 8th place in the league table. Their style of play has not brought results so far.

Hence, they will have to reinvent and they can still turn it around and qualify for the play-offs, especially after ending the 12-year trophy drought by winning their very first Kalinga Super Cup only a few days ago.

East Bengal ISL 2023-24 Season so far

East Bengal have been defensively solid with no attacking prowess. This has resulted in only two wins, five draws, and three defeats. Four of those draws have been by 0-0 margins. After FC Goa, they have conceded the least goals in the league.

However, they are also 2nd to Punjab FC in creating the least number of goalscoring chances in the league. Coach Carles Cuadrat will need to improve this side while holding on to their unwavering defensive abilities this season.

East Bengal Key players

Coach Cuadrat’s vision of a perfect defensive side as East Bengal would not have come true without Souvik Chakraborty at the heart of it. The defensive midfielder especially proved it in the Kalinga Super Cup Kolkata derby where he made Hugo Boumous ineffective.

Captain Cleiton Silva didn't impress in the first half of the season. However, it looked like he regained his form in the Kalinga Super Cup. Hopefully, he will be able to contribute to East Bengal’s weakest point in the final third.

Also the new signings of Victor Vazquez and Felicio Brown Forbes can prove to be crucial for the Kolkata giants.

What's next

If East Bengal want to qualify for the play-offs this season, their first task needs to be to create more chances in the final third. It's especially needed to win big games against the top five teams in the league table.

Their key matches against the top five teams are -

vs Mohun Bagan on February 3

vs Mumbai City FC on February 13

vs Odisha FC on February 29

vs FC Goa on March 6

vs Mohun Bagan on March 10

vs Kerala Blasters on April 3