Kolkata: With the Derby defeat still fresh in memory and its repercussions squarely felt, Red & Golds will take the field against DSK Shivajians at the Barasat Stadium in a Hero I-League engagement on Sunday.

Bagan are now top of the table with a draw against Shillong Lajong in a rescheduled match with 30 points from 15 matches while Aizawl are second having 30 in their kitty as well but being inferior on head-to-head count against Bagan.

Kingfisher East Bengal are third with 27 points from 15 games.

In Siliguri last week, East Bengal had their fate in their hands but first half strikes from Sony Norde and Azharuddin Mallick ensured they never realised it as Bagan cashed in. A late goal from Rowlin Borges could do not paper over deep cracks.

Bengaluru FC had earlier in the day halted surprise league leaders Aizawl FC’s surge with a solitary goal win earlier that day. That meant with the title race was wide open and the clash between the two bitter rivals, a winner-takes-all affair.

Trinidad & Tobago forward Willis Plaza was given the marching orders in the second half for a needless challenge on Bagan centre-back Anas Edathodika and will miss their engagement with Shivajians.

Coming to Shivajians, the Pune-based side did not restart their campaign after the break on a high, losing 2-3 to Shillong Lajong at home.

The eighth-placed side have been patchy all season winning just three games and facing defeat in seven.

The last time the two sides met in Pune, East Bengal won 2-1 with goals from Wedson Anselme and Willis Plaza.

The match is scheduled at 04:30 PM and it’ll be telecast live on Ten 2.