Plaza-less East Bengal faces Shivajians

The biggest headache for East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan will be to find a replacement for marquee Trinidad & Tobago forward Willis Plaza, who was red-carded in the second half against Mohun Bagan.

East Bengal will be keen to present a good account of itself in the remaining matches.

Following its loss to arch-rival Mohun Bagan and the protest of fans at the club tent, East Bengal will try to restore some pride by going for a win when it meets DSK Shivajians at the Barasat Stadium on Sunday.

East Bengal is placed third, with 27 points from 15 matches, behind Aizwal FC and Bagan. With the title race looking set to be decided between the top two sides, East Bengal will be keen to present a good account of itself in the remaining matches.

The biggest headache for East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan will be to find a replacement for marquee Trinidad & Tobago forward Willis Plaza, who was red-carded in the second half for a challenge on Bagan centre-back Anas Edathodika and would miss the match against Shivajians.

The team will also miss the services of Rehenesh, who has been reportedly sent home for his 'improper behaviour' towards fans. It may also be a tactic to foil the fans' fury against the goalie during the match.

“The grievance of the fans will motivate us to play better. We have to move on,” said Haitian forward Wedson Anselme, who would have to shoulder a lot of responsibility against Shivajians.

The eighth-placed Shivajians, which has just managed 14 points from three victories and five draws in 15 outings, has nothing to lose from this tie. The Pune-based team had lost its home engagement against East Bengal 2-1 and would look forward to avenge the defeat against the Kolkata side.