Back in their own backyard, East Bengal will host Kerala outfit Gokulam Kerala FC in a must-win I-League match for both the teams here on Wednesday.
East Bengal, who suffered their first loss of the ongoing league against Churchill Brothers FC, will be looking to get back to the winning ways.
The red and golds are placed fifth in the table with eight points from five games and a win against Gokulam Kerala can assure them of the top three places at the end of the eighth round of matches.
East Bengal, during the last season, did a double on Gokulam Kerala with 3-1 and 2-1 wins at home and away, respectively, which will prove to be a major boost for the home side going into the match.
Speaking before the match, Alejandro Menendez, East Bengal head coach, said, "We need to very strong in defence and be much focused. In attack, we will try to be combinative to create as many chances and hopefully convert them.
"We need to perform in a good way to play this game that is surely going to be tough considering Gokulam will have a similar outlook."
Fernando Andres Santiago Varela, Gokulam Kerala FC head coach, said, "East Bengal are always a strong opponent, with very good foreign and Indian players. We will do our best to win away from home."