The most-awaited game of the season, the Kolkata derby, had become one-sided in the last few years. However, East Bengal seem to be back in form before the ISL 2023-24 season’s first Kolkata derby.
In this season’s three derby matches, East Bengal have gotten away with two wins while Mohun Bagan won the other one. Some players have especially shone for the Red and Gold Brigade who could cause problems for Mohun Bagan.
Cleiton Silva
In the first few months of this Indian Super League season, captain Cleiton Silva was not in his best form. However, as the teams travelled to Bhubaneswar during the break for the Kalinga Super Cup, Silva looked like he got back his form.
While in 10 ISL games, Silva scored five goals, in the five Super Cup games, he was able to score five times and provide an assist. He could be coming back to the derby with the same form and cause ruckus for Mohun Bagan.
Naorem Mahesh Singh
Naorem Mahesh Singh is an excellent talent with a good sense of technical abilities. Starting his journey from a substitute player, he has now become a regular for the Indian football team under coach Igor Stimac.
He has also been a regular starter for East Bengal in the Indian Super League. His involvement in the games for the Red and Gold Brigade has not been impressive. He can still do a lot of damage if coach Cuadrat finds a way to use him better.