East Bengal, the record 29-time champions, will now be aiming to reach the 30-title mark, while the Mariners are chasing their 22nd crown. The rivalry has been evenly poised this year. The first derby, in the Indian Super League in May, ended 1-1, before Mohun Bagan won 1-0 in the Durand Cup opener in July.
East Bengal then responded with an emphatic 4-1 victory in the Durand Cup final, while their latest meeting in the Calcutta Football League in September also ended 1-1.
This will be the fifth meeting between the sides this year.
