East Bengal looks to strengthen its position at the top of Group A with back-to-back wins facing Downtown Heroes in the Durand Cup 2024.
EBG vs DTH Match Details
Date: Wednesday, 7 August 2024
Time: 19:00 (IST)
Venue: Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
EBG vs DTH Match Preview
East Bengal FC’s momentary lapse in their Durand Cup 2024 opener allowed the Indian Air Force team to take a shock lead in the match in the 18th minute. However, the Kolkata giants were unfazed as their attacking domination yielded a solid 3-1 comeback victory. All of the summer signings on the pitch shined with Madih Talal combining with David Lalhansanga for a chipped equaliser before the break. Bought from Kerala Blasters, Dimitrios Diamantakos scored his first for the club to put them ahead in the second half whereas Saul Crespo gave the finishing touch to the win in the 68th minute. Basking in good form, the Red and Gold will wish for another victory in the tournament to set them well for the pulsating Kolkata derby against rivals Mohun Bagan next week. Carles Cuadrat’s side are the favourites against Downtown Heroes in the second group stage game and should be comfortable completing their job on Wednesday.
Downtown Heroes overturned their 1-0 loss in their first group-stage game against Mohun Bagan Super Giant with a 2-0 victory over the Indian Air Force team to keep their slight hope of knockout qualification alive. Forward Danius Perwood scored in either half for the win and will be the inspiration again if the Srinagar-based side wants to get past a star-studded East Bengal team in the final group game. Hilal Parray’s team must win this match to carry any chance of progressing to the next round but the task seems daunting. They will take motivation from their performance in the tournament where they almost pulled an upset against the Mariners in the Durand Cup opener to try one over their noisy neighbours. Downtown Heroes finished dead last in their group last time without securing any points so their present showings will encourage them.
EBG vs DTH Predicted Lineups
East Bengal
Debjit Majumder; Mark Zothanpuia, Hijazi Maher, Lalchungnunga, Mohamad Rakip; Mahesh Singh, Souvick Chakraborty, Jeakson Singh, Saul Crespo; Cleiton Silva, Dimitrios Diamantakos
Downtown Heroes
Umaid Hussain, Zahid Yousif, Redah Atassi, Hyder Youssuf, Calvin Baretto; Mohammad Inam, Shahmeer Tariq, Basit Bhat; Aafreen Paray, Asrar Rehber, Darius Perwood
EBG vs DTH Dream11 Match Prediction
East Bengal should claim another fine victory in the Durand Cup 2024 against Downtown Heroes. We predict a 2-0 win for the Torch Bearers.
EBG vs DTH Dream11 Top picks
Captain Pick: Dimitrios Diamantakos
Vice-captain Picks: Cleiton Silva, Saul Crespo
EBG vs DTH Dream11 Team Suggestion
GK: Hussain (Cr - 7)
DEF: Yousif (Cr - 7.5), Lalchungnunga (Cr - 7.5), Rakip (Cr - 8)
MID: Silva (Cr - 9), Crespo (Cr - 8.5), Jeakson (Cr - 7.5), Calvin (Cr - 8)
FW: Perwood (Cr - 9), Diamantakos (Cr - 9), Mahesh (Cr - 8)
Vice-captain: Cleiton Silva
Captain: Dimitrios Diamantakos
