Kolkata – Mohun Bagan will look to avenge the 0-4 loss against arch rivals East Bengal in the forthcoming I-League derby on Saturday . A considerable time has passed since the Mariners were embarrassed at the Salt Lake Stadium on September 06 . The Green and Maroon , bolstered by the inclusion of Cornell Glen and Sony Norde will look a completely different side altogether for the I-League derby . Coach Sanjoy Sen have hinted a drastic change to the side that played in the Kolkata League derby .
Goal Keeper – Captain Shilton Paul will make way for Debjit Majumder .
Defenders – The defence will have a new look as the entire defensive line up is going to be changed. Suman Hazra who played in the right fullback will be replaced by Indian international Pritam Kotal . In the central defence Judelin Aveshka and Sanay Balmuchu will have to make way for another India international Kingshuk Debnath and Brazilian Luciano Sabrosa . Aveshka had to be sent back to Haiti as he failed to impress during his stint with the Green and Maroon . Sukhen Dey , who played in the left fullback back position has been released by the club .Dhanachandra Singh will take the left fullback slot .
Midfielders – There will be couple of changes in the midfield as well . Kean Lewis , who played in the right wing will make way for Katsumi Yuasa . The Japanese came during the second half of the Kolkata derby , but is most likely to start. Lalkamal Bhowmik and Manish Bharghav will both have to warm the benches . Dempo’s Pronay Halder will make his debut in derby along with Souvik Chakraborty . Tirthankar Dey will have to make way for Haitian international Sony Norde in the left wing.
Forwards – Coach Sanjay Sen will be relying for goals on Trinidadian Cornell Glen . Nigerian Dudu Omagbemi , who was part of the Kolkata derby squad was released as well by the club . Glen will partner either Jeje or Balwant on the up front .
U-23 footballers Azharuddin Mullick or Manish Bhargav will feature in the first XI .
Coach Sanjoy Sen was quite attacking when reminded about the derby loss in Kolkata League ,“ I do not like to remember what has already happened . To me, Kolkata derby is a closed chapter . But let me tell you this will be a completely different ball game as we will go in with full strength . To me I-League is mush more important compared to Kolkata League .”
Mohun Bagan suffered a slight hiccup with Balwant injuring his groin during practice . The striker had to sit out for most of the practice session . Raju Gaikwad also have a hamstring injury in his left leg . Sanjay Sen later commented ,“Cannot comment how serious is the injury to Balwant is . Will have to discuss with the physio before taking a call. But with two more days to go, I hope Balwant will get fit for the derby .”
There have been considerable amount of interest that’s been generated amongst the Bagan fans . With stars like Norde , Glen joining the ranks , Bagan fans can hope for a win against the arch rivals . There was a huge rush for the tickets at the club tent . 600 tickets were all over in just 30 minutes .
Footballers were asked to try and focus on the derby . They were also instructed not to speak to the media as that can affect their concentration .
Jeje , who is yet to win a derby is looking forward to set the record straight. “ I have played in a couple of derby earlier , but have not won any . I would like to change that record. I will try to put up a good show, if I get an opportunity .” signed off the current sensation of Indian football .