Published By: Sayan Guha

Kolkata Derby: East Bengal's Hopes Rest on THESE Three Game-Changers to Overcome Mohun Bagan!

Can the Red & Gold Brigade break their Derby jinx with this trio leading the charge?

East Bengal views the Kolkata Derby set for Saturday, January 11th, in the Indian Super League (ISL) as more than just another match. It is a contest filled with pride, emotion, and a deep-rooted rivalry that extends far beyond the pitch. The Red & Gold Brigade is also striving to make history by seeking their first ISL Derby victory.

This time, the stakes are raised as The Kolkata Derby moved to Guwahati due to the the security concern. East Bengal's fragile run, underlined by a recent heartbreaker against Mumbai City, has left them fighting to stay in the top six. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan comfortably leads the standings. But if the Derby has taught us anything, that form frequently takes a back seat.

Can East Bengal emerge from the ashes and cause an upset? Much of their fate is in the hands of three players who can change the course of this intense confrontation.

PV Vishnu: The wing wizard

PV Vishnu, 23, has provided a rare spark in an otherwise poor season for East Bengal. With three goals and an assist in 13 games, Vishnu's speed and inventiveness on the wings have been a constant danger. He's more than a dazzling player; he tracks back, tackles hard, and puts in the effort when the team is under duress.


Vishnu's unpredictable style makes him a problem for defenders. Whether sprinting into goal-scoring positions or delivering perfect crosses, he has the ability to rattle even the best-structured defences. Vishnu will play an essential role against Mohun Bagan. Can he work magic on the wings to give East Bengal the advantage they urgently need?

Cleiton Silva: The seasoned operator

Cleiton Silva's stats this season haven't been very impressive. Injuries have limited his efforts, leaving him with only one assist in the ISL thus far. However, Oscar Bruzon may start him in the Derby because of the Brazilian's expertise.


Silva is a deft playmaker who can control the tempo and be a finisher. His ability to drop deep, maintain possession, and thread precise passes might be essential. Furthermore, his dead-ball skills might be helpful if East Bengal wins set-pieces in dangerous areas.

Silva may use the Derby as an opportunity to remind everyone why he is a game-changer rather than simply another game.

Dimitrios Diamantakos: The reluctant hero?

Dimitrios Diamantakos is East Bengal's top scorer this season, but his current slump coincides with the team's troubles. With three ISL goals this season, the Greek attacker must find his precise touch.


Diamantakos has the ability to be more than just a poacher. To challenge Mohun Bagan, he must get out of his comfort zone—press harder, link up better, and be more aggressive in critical areas. His quick movement and instinctive finishing might be the key to breaking through Mohun Bagan's defence led by Alberto Rodriguez.

A derby to remember?

As the clock counts down to the legendary 'Boro Match,' East Bengal's fate is in their hands—or rather, their feet. Vishnu's vitality, Silva's artistry, and Diamantakos' desire might transform this fight into a watershed moment for the Red & Gold Brigade.

Will this be the Derby in which East Bengal finally overcomes its ISL curse? Will Mohun Bagan prolong its dominance? The Kolkata Derby will undoubtedly provide drama, emotion, and an unforgettable spectacle as the players get ready to hit the pitch.