Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal: Super Cup Result To Be Inconsequential In ISL's Kolkata Derby

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Indian Super League has commenced after a month-long international break from January 31. The Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal clash is the most awaited match of the season, also known as the Kolkata derby.

Mohun Bagan and East Bengal butted heads in the Kalinga Super Cup only a few days ago in Bhubaneswar. The Red and Gold Brigade were the superior side and got away with a win. However, none of that matters on February 3.

Both teams will start with a clean slate when they clash in front of a packed Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal travelled to Bhubaneswar without some key players in their midst. Many of the missing players were with the national team for the AFC Asian Cup group matches.

First-choice goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, defender Subhasish Bose, midfielders Anirudh Thapa, Deepak Tangri, Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, and forward Manvir Singh will rejoin the Mohun Bagan squad. Whereas, defender Lalchungnunga and midfielder Naorem Mahesh Singh will rejoin East Bengal.

Many Mohun Bagan players were also injured and are set to come back. During the Kalinga Super Cup, Clifford Miranda said that Anwar Ali could recover by the time ISL restarts and the news has been making the round of him being all-fit. Sahal Abdul Samad has also recovered and should also come into the squad.

Mohun Bagan also sacked their head coach Juan Ferrando at the start of January. As a result, they travelled with their assistant coach Clifford Miranda in charge. However, as the Indian Super League begins, new head coach Antonio Habas will take charge of the Mariners.

With only two wins from their 10 ISL games, East Bengal are sitting in eighth place of the table. However, they will be returning with new confidence as they have now reached the final of the Kalinga Super Cup.

They also defeated Mohun Bagan by a 1-3 margin in the competition. However, other than East Bengal taking some confidence away from this game, this match will not pave the way for the coming Kolkata derby.