Kolkata: East Bengal will look to maintain their impressive run when they lock horns against Salgaocar FC at the Barasat Stadium in the I-League on Sunday evening. Both teams are coming into this crucial encounter with a win. East Bengal blanked Shillong Lajong 4-0 with Ranty Martins scoring a hat-trick while Salgaocar get passed Mumbai FC 3-2.
Sehanaj Singh who had injured himself in the first match will be in the 18 man’s squad. However coach Biswajit Bhattacharya doesn’t want to take risk by playing Samad as he needs time to be fully fit. Mehtab Hussain along with Bernard Mendy will be marshalling the midfield.
Mehtab said,” Earlier we used to be on top of the table and other teams chased us but this year the scenario is different. Bengaluru and Mohun bagan are sitting at the top and we are chasing them. It’s an added advantage.”
The ex-indian midfielder also added,“ Look Salgaocar have not started well but they have bounced back after Santosh Kasyap took over their playing style have completely changed. Daryl Duffy has already scored seven goals. We have to restrict him from scoring.”
East Bengal are currently placed 3rd with 14 points while Salgaocar are 7th with 5 points. Under 22 rule after a gap of two rounds will be resuming. Abinash Ruidas will expect to fill the U-22 quota. Bikash jairu and Bernard Mendy have been in sensational form. The responsibility to feed Ranty will be upon them.
Ranty Martins will be pairing with either Do Dong Hyun or Mohammad Rafique upfront. Do Dong sounds very confident,” Don’t know I am playing or not. I only need a goal. The old Dong will be back.”
The onus will be once again on Ranty martins. East Bengal rode on a hat-trick from the Nigerian goal machine to demolish Lajong 4-0. “ I am fully fit. This injury is not new. I got this injury during the derby match. So it will not be a problem. I will start afresh. We have to win this match to stay in the hunt.”revealed the Nigerian.
He further added,” The match is not about Duffy vs Ranty. It’s all aboutEast Bengal vs Salgaocar. We want three points from this match.”
Defensive pairing of Arnab and Bello will have to be at their best to deny Daryl Duffy from scoring. The scot has been in fantastic form scoring seven goals. Arnab and Bello will be flanked by Saumik Dey and Rahul Bheke.”
On being asked if there is a competition between him and Ranty the lanky striker answered,” I have no competition with Ranty. My aim is to put Salgaocar in a good position. I will be happy with one point”.