The contrast between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal has rarely been so pronounced in recent times as it is in the present Kolkata Derby scenario. Over the past three years, Mohun Bagan has maintained an unbeaten record, securing an impressive eight consecutive victories. Conversely, East Bengal has found itself in a continuous spiral of disappointment, enduring a series of setbacks akin to an unending nightmare.

The outcomes of the Derby matches have paralleled the teams' broader fortunes. Mohun Bagan's string of Derby triumphs culminated in their first-ever Indian Super League championship last season. In stark contrast, East Bengal has struggled, stumbling from one low point to another, struggling to find a footing.

Nevertheless, the Derby is a realm of unpredictability where surprises have been witnessed before and are likely to occur again. While it might appear unjust to expect a shift in dynamics given East Bengal's underprepared status against a more formidable and well-coordinated Mohun Bagan, the essence of the Derby lies in its capacity for the unexpected.

Therefore, it would be unwise to entirely discount East Bengal's potential to stage a surprise. However, unpredictability and the inherent tension of this high-stakes encounter might not be sufficient to secure an upset.

East Bengal would likely require more than just these elements to succeed. A solid defensive performance, distinct from their recent lackluster 2-2 draw against Bangladesh Army, and a clear strategy for exploiting Mohun Bagan's vulnerabilities on the counter would be essential.

Considering the offensive prowess that Mohun Bagan possesses, which has been further bolstered by the inclusion of new talents like Jason Cummings, Armando Sadiku, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Anirudh Thapa, it's evident they will command possession and territorial dominance.

East Bengal's newly appointed coach, Carles Cuadrat, participating in his inaugural Derby, must formulate a game plan emphasizing patience, discipline, and a willingness to make sacrifices. A resolute defense coupled with opportunistic forward surges could become their modus operandi.

Wingers Nandhakumar and Naorem Mahesh Singh, capable of delivering dangerous crosses for Javier Siverio's aerial prowess, could be pivotal in unsettling Mohun Bagan's defense.

Cuadrat might have preferred Cleiton Silva to chase loose clearances within the box, but his delayed arrival implies limited involvement unless the Spanish coach has devised alternative strategies, as seen in their previous game with a fatigued Jordan Elsey, leading to counterproductive consequences.

Mohun Bagan boasts an abundance of talent, putting Juan Ferrando in a quandary over his starting lineup. Choosing between Cummings, Sadiku, and the promising Suhail Bhat poses a dilemma. The decision also hinges on whether to opt for experience or readiness for the Derby.

Just days ahead of their AFC Cup qualifier, Ferrando ideally would have treated the match as a warm-up. Yet, the Derby's significance transcends mere preparation, demanding utmost focus.

This is The Line for Tickets of Kolkata Derby.The 3rd Largest Derby In Asia @thedurandcup Committee jst Watch & think how harassed The supporters fr a single ticket.almost everyone come here in the midnight jst fr a Single Ticket. Please don't underestimate the derby & the fans pic.twitter.com/ZNKcT4CUxF

— Sourav Das ???????? (@sdas39859) August 10, 2023

Ferrando has adeptly managed his squad, balancing game time, rotation, and injury prevention amid challenging conditions and fervent crowd pressure, evident from the ardent demand for tickets.

Striking this balance again will be Ferrando's objective, aiming for a favorable result that would inject momentum into their crucial clash against Nepal's Macchindra FC. However, he must remain cautious, avoiding the fine line between confidence and complacency.

Ultimately, this Kolkata Derby encapsulates the intricate dynamics of football, where expectations can be upended by the spirit of competition and the unpredictable nature of the beautiful game.

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