Bengaluru FC will be targeting maximum points in Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 when they take on SC East Bengal at the Fatorda Stadium on Saturday. The Blues lost their last three matches for the first time in Hero ISL history and their slump in form resulted in the club parting ways with head coach Carles Cuadrat. Interim head coach Naushad Moosa will be in charge of their clash against a confident SC East Bengal side that is unbeaten in their last four outings. Here, we assess a few factors that could dictate the outcome of Saturday’s clash between the teams.

SC East Bengal beginning to find form

After extending their unbeaten run to four games despite playing most of the second half with 10 men in their last match, SC East Bengal will approach the clash against Bengaluru in a confident frame of mind. They began the season with four losses and a draw but are now finding their stride. The improvement in the Kolkata club’s attack has seen them score seven times in their last four outings in stark contrast to their first five games that witnessed them find the back of the net twice. Key to their attacking threat in front of goal has been the form of their top-scorer Jacques Maghoma (3 goals) and new signing Bright Enobakhare, who has netted twice in as many games for the club.

Bengaluru’s defence needs to return to basics

One of the building blocks behind Bengaluru’s successes in the league has been their solid and compact defence that’s helped them win plenty of matches by slender margins. The 12 goals that they have conceded after nine games this season is the most that they’ve let in with the same number of games played since their entry to the league. Their defensive frailties are reflected in the fact that Bengaluru haven’t managed to keep a clean sheet in any of their past six matches during which they’ve let in 10 goals. The Blues will be up against an SC East Bengal attack that will have their tails up, making it crucial for them to keep their shape at the back.

Debjit Majumder proving his worth in goal

SC East Bengal’s last match against FC Goa saw their goalkeeper Debjit Majumder make eight saves as the Kolkata club emerged with a point after going down to 10 men in the second period. His eight saves were the joint most by a player in a match this season. Debjit though has been in good form throughout the campaign and is one of the leading goalkeepers in terms of saves made (28) so far. He has an overall save success rate of 68.29% and his save success rate in SC East Bengal’s last four matches has risen to 75.31% having made 19 saves during that time.