Siliguri has geared up for the Kolkata derby, which is sure to garner as much attention as possible. The rivalry between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan dates to decades back and often takes violent forms. Both the teams are contenders for the Hero I League title, and would look to win this match. The first leg of the derby resulted in a 1-1 draw at the Salt Lake stadium. Mohun Bagan, who’re leading the table, would surely be affected by the absence of their manager. Recent team forms Mohun Bagan: WWDWL After a shock loss to newcomers Aizawl FC, the Bagan camp is ought to be a bit rattled. Likes of Sony Norde, Cornell Glen and Jeje will have to step up their game in this crucial derby. East Bengal FC: WWLLW With 2 losses to Salgaocar FC and DSK Shivajians in their last 5 games, the red and golds have some thinking to do. Reports of spats in the camp and Mendy's unprofessionalism must be taken care of before they take the field in Siliguri. Sanjoy Sen A very interesting turn of events has taken place in the Mohun Bagan camp. Head coach Sanjoy Sen, who was handed a 8 match ban for using derogatory statements against the All India Football Federation, has been reduced to a 4 match ban. An unconditional apology was floated by Sen, in view of which the AIFF Appeals Committee unanimously decided to reduce the number of matches as well the fine from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh. The gaffer had to sit out in his team's Mumbai FC and Aizawl FC clashes, has two more matches to serve. The twist in the tale however comes now. Yesterday, Sanjoy Sen appealed once again to the AIFF, requesting him to sit in the dugout for the much awaited Kolkata derby in Siliguri. The response to his query hasn't been received yet and it still remains a mystery as to whether the Mariners will get to hear from their gaffer during the game or not. Atmosphere in Siliguri Siliguri, a small sleepy town in the northern part of West Bengal, is no foreigner to football. Baichung Bhutia, arguably India's most renowned footballer is all set to contest the West Bengal assembly elections has started campaigning for his party, Trinamool Congress from Siliguri. Siliguri is also the Baichung Bhutia Football School's first venture in the eastern part of the country. The Kanchenjunga stadium, which is being used for the derby since the Salt Lake Stadium is under renovation for the 2017 U17 World Cup is expected to house around 30 thousand noisy and jubilant supporters. Siliguri is usually known as an East Bengal hub, so it will interesting to see what the ratio of supporters will be like. Kolkata flyover accident As the crazy football state of West Bengal gears up for the derby, the collapse of a floyver in Kolkata that has left 24 dead has led to an ugly tarnish in the build up. The match will start with both teams paying homage to the victims of the disaster through a minute's silence. The game has gained more importance since then, as the supporters look forward to be treated to some wonderful football to get over the sombre mood in Kolkata. Possible Lineups: Mohun Bagan – Debjit (GK), Gaikwad, Kotal, Dhanachandra, Sobrosa, Halder, Bhargav, Yusa ©, Norde, Jeje, Cornell. East Bengal – Rehensh (GK), Mandal, Rasaq, Saumik, Ali Malik, Jairu, Mendy, Joachim, Lobo, Dong, Martins. Authors
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