The stage is set for the biggest clash of them all—the iconic Kolkata Derby— as Mohun Bagan and East Bengal lock horns in the quarterfinals of the 134th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan this Sunday.
Both giants of Indian football stormed through the group stage in style. East Bengal, placed in Group A, were flawless with three wins out of three, hammering South United 5-0, edging Namdhari 1-0, and dismantling Indian Air Force 6-1 to finish with a perfect nine points.
Mohun Bagan, drawn in Group B, were just as ruthless. The Mariners kicked off with a 3-1 win over Mohammedan SC, followed it up with a 4-0 thumping of BSF FT, and wrapped up with a 5-1 triumph against Diamond Harbour FC, also topping their group unbeaten.
The winner of this fixture will play the victor of the Jamshedpur FC vs Diamond Harbour FC in the semi-finals.
The Sporting News takes you through a preview of East Bengal's clash with Mohun Bagan SG and all the latest betting advice.
East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Super Giants lineups, team news
East Bengal go into the derby with a clean bill of health but will be without influential midfielder Mohammad Rashid, who has flown back home after the passing of his father.
East Bengal predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Gill (GK) — Rakip, Sibille, Anwar, Provat — Mahesh, Jeakson, Miguel — Bipin Singh, Ahadad, Edmund.
Get 150% deposit match up to ₹150,000 when you sign up for a new account with Dafabet. Click here to claim.
For Mohun Bagan, absences are a bigger concern, with Subhasish Bose, Kiyan Nassiri, and winger Manvir Singh all sidelined through injury.
On the brighter side, the Mariners welcome back striker Muhammad Suhail, who sat out their final group game against Diamond Harbour FC, adding a timely boost to their attack.
Mohun Bagan SG predicted starting XI (4-4-2, right to left): Vishal Kaith (GK) — Ashish Rai, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodriguez, Abhimeitei — Anirudh Thapa, Apuia, Deepak Tangri — Sahal, Jamie Maclaren, Liston Colaco.
Bet on all the Durand Cup action with Dafabet today, click HERE
East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Super Giants prediction
With the ISL's future still hanging in the balance, both Kolkata giants will be desperate to kick off their 2025 campaign on the front foot by clinching bragging rights in this traditional curtain-raiser.
History may tilt slightly in East Bengal's favor when it comes to the all-time derby record, but recent chapters have largely belonged to Mohun Bagan. The Mariners, boasting a record 17 Durand Cup crowns, have displayed plenty of attacking flair and grit, though injuries to key men like Manvir Singh and Kiyan Nassiri cast a shadow over their quarterfinal preparations.
The Red & Gold Brigade, just one step behind with 16 Durand Cup trophies, have looked sharp this time around, storming through their group with thumping wins—like the 5-0 drubbing of South United and a 6-1 demolition of Indian Air Force. Fresh recruits Hamid Ahadad and Mohammad Bassim Rashid have already caught the eye.
While both teams are still finding their rhythm in pre-season, Mohun Bagan’s slightly delayed start could leave them chasing the pace. On paper, East Bengal look primed to edge this one.
The Sporting News' Score Prediction: East Bengal 3-1 MBSG
How to watch East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Super Giants in Durand Cup 2025
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, India
- Time: 7 p.m. IST
- TV/Streaming: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV
RELATED LINKS: