Indian Super League (ISL) will see its newest debutant in SC East Bengal in action when they take on ATK Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata Derby on Friday. The Red and Golds had the shortest time to form a team and are at substantial risk of suffering from lack of match fitness.
However, with the right set of foreigners and tactics, Robbie Fowler’s SC East Bengal can pull off a decent performance in their debut ISL season.
SC East Bengal key players
Anthony Pilkington: The Irish International will be the second captain of the season for SC East Bengal. Due to a lack of striking options, there is a good possibility that Robbie Fowler will use him as a secondary striker behind the primary striker.
Anthony Pilkington has been playing on the left side in the recent few seasons, but the preferred wing to operate is right for the Irishman. He will lead the East Bengal attacking front by creating and as well as converting chances.
Scott Neville: Robbie Fowler’s trusted lieutenant, Scott Neville will have to show his versatility throughout the season to replicate his Brisbane Roar style of play at East Bengal.
Neville, who is primarily a left-back, can also play as a centre-back. He likes to go forward in the wings and also operate as a makeshift right wing-back. The 31-year-old is a good crosser of the ball and will be one of the most important players for the Red and Golds as the season progresses.
Matti Steinmann: The young German midfielder will marshall East Bengal’s midfield. He can play both as a creative midfielder and a defensive midfielder, thus having the ability to add the much-needed impetus to the East Bengal midfield, which otherwise has limited options.
SC East Bengal probable line-up
Robbie Fowler likes to play a three-man defensive system with conventional 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 set-ups. However, this method could leave out open pockets of space in the back. Due to the lack of Indian full-backs, it is safe to say that Fowler may go with a conventional four-man defence with focus on wing play.
(4-2-3-1): Mirshad (GK), Samad Ali Mallick, Scott Neville, Daniel Fox, Abhishek Ambekar, Mohammed Rafique, Matti Steinmann, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Jacques Maghoma, Anthony Pilkington, Jeje Lalpekhlua.
SC East Bengal full squad
Goalkeepers: Debjit Majumder, Rafique Ali, Mirshad Michu, Sankar Roy
Defenders: Gurtej Singh, Narayan Das, Samad Ali Mallick, Lalramchullova, Mohammed Irshad, Rohen Singh, Abhishek Ambekar, Rana Gharami, Scott Neville, Daniel Fox, Pritam Singh, Novin Gurung, Anil Chawan
Midfielders: Sehnaj Singh, Bikash Jairu, Yumnam Gopi Singh, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Anthony Pilkington, Matti Steinmann, Jacques Maghoma, Wahengbam Angousana, Mohammed Rafique, Loken Meitei, Surchandra Singh, Milan Singh
Forwards: Jeje Lalpekhlua, Balwant Singh, Aaron-Amadi Holloway, CK Vineeth, Girik Khosla, Harmanpreet Singh
SC East Bengal fixtures (Till Round 10)
27th November – SC East Bengal vs ATK Mohun Bagan
01st December – Mumbai City FC vs SC East Bengal
05th December – NorthEast United FC vs SC East Bengal
10th December – SC East Bengal vs Jamshedpur FC
15th December – Hyderabad FC vs SC East Bengal
20th December – Kerala Blasters vs SC East Bengal
26th December – SC East Bengal vs Chennaiyin FC
03rd January – SC East Bengal vs Odisha FC
06th January – SC East Bengal vs FC Goa
09th January – Bengaluru FC vs SC East Bengal
SC East Bengal season prediction
SC East Bengal will depend heavily on their foreign contingent for success. Their foreigners have incredible resumes and should be dependable, with seventh foreigner Joe Garner expected to add further quality and depth to the squad.
However, East Bengal’s core of Indian players will be a worrisome factor for Robbie Fowler. The lack of fitness and competitive matches, coupled with the lack of managerial experience for Robbie Fowler means the Red and Golds could struggle in the league.
SC East Bengal predicted finish: 6th
Also Read: ATK Mohun Bagan FC season preview, full squad, fixtures and more: ISL 2020-21