Defending champions Chennai City FC and Kolkata giants Quess East Bengal will lock horns against each other in a crucial Hero I-League game here on Saturday, with both teams desperately needing a win to stay alive in the competition.
With the 13th Hero I-League season approaching its half-way mark, Chennai City are in eighth place, having picked up eight points six games.
East Bengal too have same points from seven matches but sit a place above in seventh spot by virtue of a superior goal difference.
Chennai City will be boosted by their hard-fought 3-2 win over Gokulam Kerala FC in the Southern Derby.
Chennai City midfielder Katsumi Yusa, who donned the famous Red and Gold once, said: "I am feeling very happy to play against East Bengal. I have played with them previously and their supporters were very good to me.
"They are a fresh team now, with new talents and good footballing philosophy, so they will be a good team to face and I am looking forward to the game."