Pune based side DSK Shivajians take on Kolkata giants East Bengal at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex at Pune on 14th January (Saturday).
TheDSK Shivajians outfit did not have the best of starts in I-League 2016/17, losing 1-0 to rivals Mumbai FC in their opener. The wooden spoon holders last time around, DSK were sluggish at times, something which new coach Dave Rogers will need to work on.
The side in fairnessdid show glimpses of what they were capable of, but were unable to find a way through Mumbai's defense. Their foreign players- Juan Quero, North Korean international Kim Song Yong, Irish Midfielder Shane McFaul and Serbian centre back Sasha Kolunija, will need to step up and make more meaningful contributions if the team are to make a dash for the title this season.
Indian footballing giants East Bengal struggled in their opening game against Aizawl, requiring a last gasp equaliser from Ivan Bukenya to draw the game 1-1. That they came away from the game with a point was thanks to a lucky break, as the team from Kolkata looked out of sorts last week.
He is back! We are pleased to announce the signing of @robin_singh_23. #JoyEastBengal pic.twitter.com/NZlzJMbkH2
The club recently signed Indian footballer Robin Singh in order to strengthen their forward line and while the squad looks strong on paper, they are currently struggling to gel as a unit.
The Red and Yellow, have not won the I-League in their 96-year history and based on their performance last week, it seems that fans will need to wait a little longer for their maiden title.