THE EPIC DERBY!

Kolkata, the home of Indian football, fans live for one day, and die the same day.

It is the match that involves the city’s two biggest clubs, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, and is witnessed by an estimated 80,000 to 1,20,000; figures arguably higher than soccer’s globally more popular showdowns between Manchester United and Liverpool or Barcelona and Real Madrid.

East Bengal are a formidable side with the likes of Edeh Chidi and James Moga upfront, Mehtab Hussain (currently India's best player) in the middle and the African pillar Oga Okpara at the back.

They are AFC Cup Semi finalists who have beaten Asia's top teams this season to reach the semi finals of a tournament considered equivalent to UEFA Champions League of Europe.

On the other hand, Mohun Bagan are a team predominantly made of youngsters and upcoming talents with their star striker Odafa returning from injury and not fully match fit.  They have been inconsistent right from the start of the season dropping points and losing relatively easy matches.

Off late though, they have been unbeaten in 6 matches.

But the Derby is beyond the standings, the performances, the players. It is not just a match for these players, it is a war. Last year, a major controversy marred the Derby when a stone apparently thrown from the stands hit then Mohun Bagan player Syed Rahim Nabi and he bled profusely on the field. The Mohun Bagan players did not take the field in the second half in protest and were stripped off all the points they earned. Mohun Bagan had to fight off relegation to stay put in the Indian league.

This season, it is the first Derby and it is to be seen how these players, most of them new, cope with the pressure and the tempo of a derby. East Bengal are favourites on paper but the Kolkata Derby is famous for surprises.

Mohun Bagan and East Bengal both stand very low at the points table of the I-league, hence, both these teams would like to win the match and get the all important 3 points to climb up the points table.

The Kolkata Derby is an epic clash of giants, and the whole of India is gearing up for this match.

Players to watch out for: 

East Bengal: James Moga, Edeh Chidi, Mehtab Hussain

Mohun Bagan: Odafa Okolie, Katsumi Yusa, Shilton Paul

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