I-League Media Team

KOLKATA: East Bengal will try to return to winning ways after a disappointing show against Mumbai FC, when they host Salgaocar in an I-League to be held at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon. After playing a match before empty stands, the hosts will also be able to enjoy the support of the fans in this match.

Eelco Schattorie, the coach of the side informed in the pre-match press conference that he has a fit squad to choose from, other than the lone exception of Lalrindika Ralte. All the outfield players will line-up in the same way with the only question mark hanging over the goalkeeper.

“Nothing will change from the last match. The goalkeeping position is the only question. I haven’t made the decision yet. Luis (Barreto) didn’t have much to do in the last game, maybe only a couple of times. So, it’s hard to assess. The other 10 players will not change. Abhijit trained fully yesterday, so he maybe able to start,” the coach informed in the presser.

The former United Sports coach also held the opponents in high regards, but stressed that his team will try to get all three points from the fixture.

“Salgaocar, in my opinion, have the best all-round striker (Darryl Duffy) in India. Not the best striker, but the best all round striker. He can score, he is tall, he can hold the ball and he has very smart runs,” he opined.

“Salgaocar also have the best creative midfielder (Douhou Pierre) in India. But again, he can play for an hour and then he drops because of age probably. He is creative and they always have two players who can make a difference upfront. You never know how that goes in football. You make a mistake and they can score,” he added.

Talking about their opponents, Salgaocar have lost all of their last three matches and will be hoping to prove their mettle against another big name in Indian football. Darryl Duffy will like to get back to own dynamic self while the likes of Rocus Lamare and Douhou Pierre will control the game from the midfield.

Francis Kasonde, the marquee player of the team is not available for selection as he is suspended for accumulating four yellow cards. Pawan Kumar, the young TFA graduate, will be handed his second start of the campaign and will pair up with Augustin Fernandes at the center of the defense. Gilbert Oliviera, another regular starter of the Greens picked up an injury and will not be fit before the match. In his place, either Sanju Pradhan or Saran Singh is likely to start on the flank.

“East Bengal are a very good side with a very good strike-force in Dudu and Ranti. Yes, we tried in this short time but it’s not possible to work out something completely new in half an hour or one session. We have to deal with the whole team, not only Ranti and Dudu. They have got good Indian players and also good bench strength. So, it will be very tough but I don’t think it’s impossible (to beat East Bengal),” Derrick Pereira, the coach of the away side told the reporters.

Kick-off: 22-04-2015@ 4:30 PM
 

Hashtag: #KEBvSFC