The Red and Golds are in a pretty good position on the table, only one point off table toppers Mohun Bagan having played the same number of matches.
The Greens from Goa, meanwhile are on the opposite end of the spectrum, a point separating them from bottom placed DSK Shivajians.
The introduction of Santosh Kashyap to the Salgaocar management has however stemmed the descent as under his tutelage, the side has picked up five points from nine matches, including their first win, a 3-2 win against DSK, away from home.
Jackichand Singh might not be available for the game with Kashyap stressing that he needed to get a surgery done. Meanwhile, Seityasen Singh won’t be available as he is back in his home because of some family affairs.
Calvin Mbarga and Thongkhosiem Haokip would look to reprise their position on the wings despite not being natural wingers.
Daryl Duffy, who has been among the goals, including a smart hat-trick against DSK will be the key weapon for the Greens with Martin Scott looking to dictate play from midfield.
Biswajit Bhattacharya will be a happy man on the other hand after Ranti Martins’ return to form in the last encounter with a hat-trick against Shillong Lajong.
The only jolt to his side’s preparations has been the young defender Samad Ali Mullick’s injury which mean either of Abinash Ruidas or Prohlad Roy pushing into the side on account of the U-22 rule.
The impressive Bikash Jairu is expected to patrol one wing while Do Dong-Hyun might be given a chance to redeem himself, after being benched in the last match.
Sehnaj Singh’s return from his prolonged injury will be another boost to the Kolkata giants and he might be slowly introduced into the match beside the old warhorse Mehtab Hossein in midfield.
When it comes to the last five matches between these two sides, East Bengal and Salgoacar both share two wins between themselves, besides a solitary draw.
While the Greens would want to dig themselves out of the battle of relegation, Red and Golds can topple the Blues to the second spot in the Hero I-League table.
