I-League Preview: Air India – East Bengal

Poor Defence...

One doesn’t have to be an expert to observe that Air India’s defence lacks the steel which they are always known to have. In the last two seasons, they conceded 26 and 20 goals from a total of 22 and 18 matches respectively in the I-League.

Having played only five matches, the Airmen have allowed the opposition to net 11 so far which puts their reputation of being tough to score against in serious jeopardy. Coach Bimal Ghosh looked concerned about the above mentioned statistics and he’ll have to wipe out the problems if they hope to finish in the top half of the table.

After having being victorious in the I-League against Pune FC , which was their first away win since April 2007 when they beat Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in the 2006-07 season, the Mumbai club seem to have lost their way.

It’s time for Air India to buck-up and get their strategies right as things haven’t gone according to their plan and when it has, the luck factor which the referees hold didn’t go in their favour.

First Impression...

East Bengal coach Philippe De Ridder is expected to be present for their game against Air India but the Belgian is to watch the game from the stands rather than taking over the troops straight away. For East Bengal players, it provides a good opportunity to give their impression to the coach and thus, be in his scheme of things.

It’s ironical that the Red and Gold’s, who failed to win a single game in the IFA Shield, Durand Cup and the I-League, won against Viva Kerala at a time when they didn’t have a head coach! The win will surely add some confidence in their ranks but their poor form at Cooperage is of concern.

Their last win against a Mumbai team in the I-League was way back on 31st December ’03 when Late Cristiano Junior scored the winner against Mahindra United. Their only other victory at Cooperage has come against Dempo in the 2005-06 season when the Goan side’s home match was played in Mumbai where East Bengal won 3-1.

Form Guide...

Air India

Air India 2-3 Churchill Brothers
Air India 2-2 Mumbai FC
Shillong Lajong 3-0 Air India

East Bengal

Viva Kerala 0-1 East Bengal
East Bengal 1-1 Salgaocar SC
East Bengal 3-5 Mohun Bagan

Team News...

Air India

N.D.Opara, who has scored four goals for the Airmen, is suspended with Dada Nabeel being a doubtful starter. The good news is that Tapan Maity is in better condition and should be available for selection. Iranian defender Behnam Mohammed is likely to play his first game at the Cooperage Stadium.

East Bengal

No Bhaichung Bhutia, No Renedy Singh, No Arup Debnath and No coach. Doubts remain on Mehrajuddin Wadoo’s participation as the Indian international hasn’t had a full training session in the last two days.

Players To Watch

Air India

Much was spoken of Behnam Mohammed when signed by Air India but the defender has been a disappointment especially against Shillong Lajong where his side went down 3-0. Ghosh stated that the foreign import impressed during the trials but hasn’t been up to the mark as yet. His defensive abilities will be put to test against the skilful Yusif Yakubu and the pacy Abel Hammond.

East Bengal

The Red and Gold’s will look to the man from Ghana who is known to produce a moment or two of brilliance during his stay on the pitch. Yakubu’s class leaves spectators stunned as he carves his way into the opposition’s box to score, as he did against Mahindra United earlier last month.

Key Areas...

Both teams have a brittle defence but the addition of Ogpara in the visitor’s backline has fortified it to an extent. On paper, East Bengal’s strikers are in a different league altogether but Air India can come up with a surprise against a team which is headless without a coach. 

Rahul Bali.