I-League 2018-19: East Bengal vs Churchill Brothers - TV channel, stream, kick-off time & match preview

East Bengal's primary challenge will be to keep former player Willis Plaza quiet when take on Churchill Brothers...
East Bengal face Churchill Brothers in an I-League 2018-19 clash at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday.

Game East Bengal vs Churchill Brothers
Date Sunday, February 17
Time 5:00 PM IST (GMT +5:30)

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM
Alejandro Menendez Aizawl FC East Bengal 2018-19

The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the I-League. The games will be telecast on television as well as digital platforms.

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India (English) TV channel Online streams
Star Sports 3 Hotstar and Jio TV


TEAM NEWS
EAST BENGAL:

East Bengal possible XI

Key Players: Jobby Justin, Borja Gomez, Johnny Acosta


Churchill Brothers:

Churchill Brothers possible XI

Key Players: Willis Plaza, Dawda Ceesay


GAME PREVIEW
East Bengal face a crucial challenge ahead of them in the form of Churchill Brothers on Sunday in Kolkata. Both teams are title contenders which makes this tie even more vital as a slip up would make things complicated.

The 5-0 win over Shillong Lajong will definitely boost the confidence of the team but the hosts must remain wary of their former player Willis Plaza who has been in fine form this season.

Borja Gomez and Johnny Acosta will have their hands full as Plaza has the capability to carve out an acre from an inch. Moreover, he will also have a point to prove to his former employers.

Dawda Ceesay is another player who can single-handedly change the complexion of any game and his duel with Kassim Aidara in the middle of the park is likely to impact the game.

Churchill demolished Mohun Bagan 3-0 earlier in this season at the same venue which will boost their morale before taking the pitch.

But Petre Gigiu has some injury concerns to deal with as Hussein Eldor and Richard Costa are doubtful for the tie.

Churchill Brothers NEROCA Varney Kallon Willis Plaza I-League

East Bengal are pinning their hopes on the front-three of Jaime Santos, Jobby Justin and Enrique Esqueda to produce the goods against Churchill. The Goan side have been leaking regular goals and in the absence of Eldor, Nenad Novakovic will have to marshall the backline once again.

Churchill's wing backs must stay alert as they have to negotiate an in-form Laldanmawia Ralte and Toni Dovale. They must not allow the wingers to settle and press high.

Set-pieces are going to be crucial and Churchill must sort out their marking duties. It was from a free-kick that East Bengal scored the winner in Goa through Jobby Justin and Alejandro Menendez would like to exploit that avenue once again.

Similarly, in Plaza and Novakovic, Churchill have also got potent target men who can make a difference with their aerial ability.

R ed and Golds
Can Churchill stop East Bengal's juggernaut or will the pick up a win and go level with Chennai City on points? Let's wait and watch.