Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], March 13 (ANI): East Bengal FC will look to return to profitable methods once they tackle Kerala Blasters FC in Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 on the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday, based on a launch.
The East Bengal FC vs Kerala Blasters FC match is scheduled for a 17:00 IST kick-off.
Later within the night, Bengaluru FC will host desk toppers and unbeaten Mohun Bagan Super Giant on the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, with the kick-off slated for 19:30 IST.
Both matches might be streamed stay on FanCode and telecast on Sony Sports TEN 2.
East Bengal FC vs Kerala Blasters FC
East Bengal FC performed out a hard-fought 0-0 draw in opposition to FC Goa of their final outing in Kolkata. The Red and Gold Brigade at present sit fourth within the standings with seven factors from 4 matches.
Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters FC suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, taking place 0-1 to Chennaiyin FC in Kochi. The Yellow Army stay twelfth within the desk with out a level.
In the earlier ten conferences between them, Kerala Blasters maintain a slender edge with 4 wins to East Bengal’s three, alongside three attracts.
Speaking forward of their residence fixture, East Bengal FC head coach Oscar Bruzon stated, ‘There is a story that East Bengal should win the league, however contained in the membership we all know the place we’re and what our objectives are. This is already the most effective begin for East Bengal within the ISL, and we’ve one other alternative to strengthen our place among the many prime groups. Our focus is on consistency, enhancing each recreation, and persevering with the progress of this mission.’
Forward Edmund Lalrindika, who has progressively turn out to be a steady element within the East Bengal assault, stated, ‘I had a number of accidents earlier than coming right here, however the membership supported me quite a bit. I labored onerous on my rehabilitation and restoration, and that helped me come again stronger. Now I’m glad to be enjoying once more for East Bengal. Of course, as an attacking participant I like to attain objectives and create assists, however crucial factor for me is that the crew wins. When the crew wins, every thing else follows.’
Despite their desperation for his or her first factors, Kerala Blasters have performed some entertaining soccer below David Catala, and the Spanish tactician is concentrated on refining their execution within the ultimate third.
Speaking forward of the match, Catala acknowledged the crew’s early-season struggles. ‘It’s true our scenario is just not the place we anticipated it to be, however within the final match we created many probabilities. The key now could be to maintain believing in our work and ensure we convert these alternatives,’ he stated. ‘We know we face a powerful crew, but when we play with extra depth, preserve possession, and present persona, I’m assured we will compete and struggle for the end result.’
Discussing how he’s managing the squad’s morale amidst their winless run, Catala added, ‘The most necessary factor is to maintain talking with the gamers, preserve the identical mentality and vitality in coaching, and make them imagine that the work we’re doing is the best manner ahead.’
Echoing his coach’s dedication, Kerala Blasters ahead Kevin Yoke expressed the squad’s readiness to show issues round. ‘We work very onerous in the course of the week and the main focus is at all times on enhancing ourselves. Now we simply need to present that work on the pitch,’ Yoke stated. ‘Winning video games at all times provides the forwards extra confidence, and we imagine if we preserve working collectively the objectives and outcomes will come. The complete squad is concentrated. Our goal is to provide our greatest efficiency and assist the crew get a constructive end result.’
East Bengal FC will goal to dictate the tempo and capitalise on their passionate residence help, whereas Kerala Blasters should sharpen their ending to finish their barren run. With each groups determined for 3 essential factors, the conflict in Kolkata guarantees to be a fiercely-contested affair.
Bengaluru FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bengaluru FC bounced again with a significant 2-1 away victory over Mohammedan SC of their final match, courtesy of first-half strikes from Ryan Williams and Ashique Kuruniyan. The win moved the Blues as much as fifth within the standings with seven factors.
In distinction, Mohun Bagan Super Giant prolonged their flawless begin with a sensational 5-1 victory over Odisha FC, propelled by a wide ranging four-goal haul from Jamie Maclaren and a strike from Alberto Rodriguez. The Mariners sit firmly on the prime of the desk with 12 factors from 4 consecutive wins.
Mohun Bagan have traditionally dominated this fixture. In 12 earlier ISL conferences, the Mariners boast 9 victories in comparison with Bengaluru’s two, alongside a single draw. Their most up-to-date conflict in April 2025 noticed Mohun Bagan declare a 2-1 victory on the VYBK, courtesy strikes from Jason Cummings and Jamie Maclaren.
Speaking forward of their residence fixture, Bengaluru FC head coach Renedy Singh acknowledged the magnitude of the duty. ‘Mohun Bagan are a powerful facet and have been performing properly, so will probably be an enormous problem for us. But our focus is on combating as a crew and taking a constructive end result,’ Singh stated. ‘We respect the opponents, however our principal focus is on what we will do. If we play to our strengths and work as a unit, we will compete with any crew.’
He added, ‘I would like the gamers to provide every thing for the total 90 minutes and to struggle for each ball and run that additional yard for the crew.’
Bengaluru FC winger Ashique Kuruniyan, who lately opened his scoring account for the Blues, is keen to face his former membership however stays totally targeted on the duty at hand. ‘I’ve nice recollections and pals at Mohun Bagan, however as soon as the match begins, there aren’t any feelings. I’ll give my 100 per cent for my present crew,’ Ashique acknowledged. ‘There is not any additional strain. Our focus is to observe the plan, work onerous, and provides every thing on the pitch.’
Mohun Bagan have performed some extremely entertaining soccer below Sergio Lobera, displaying indicators of their intent to determine a transparent, ruthless id for his or her model of play.
Speaking forward of the match, Lobera stated, ‘Bengaluru are at all times troublesome opponents on the Kanteerava. We have studied their video games fastidiously and can put together in the very best manner. If we’ve to win the league we have to win the troublesome video games beating the most effective groups away from residence.’
Echoing his coach’s dedication, Mohun Bagan midfielder Anirudh Thapa stated, ‘After arriving this season, it was necessary to construct momentum. We are focussed on following the directions given by our coach match after match. This crew has the standard and calibre to ship on any stage.’
Bengaluru FC will depend on their defensive organisation and residential benefit to halt the guests’ flawless run, whereas Mohun Bagan SG will look to unleash their relentless attacking firepower as soon as once more. (ANI)