Antonio Habas plans limited rotation as East Bengal aim to maintain winning momentum, while Carlos Vaz Pinto backs Inter Kashi to challenge the defending champions.

Kolkata, October 22: East Bengal FC return to ISL 2026-27 action against Inter Kashi FC on Friday, looking to carry forward the momentum from their 4-0 victory over Churchill Brothers. However, with continental football also on the mind, the defending champions must find the right balance between maintaining their winning form and managing a demanding schedule.

The fixture brings back memories of last season, when East Bengal defeated Inter Kashi in their final match to secure the league title. This time, the stakes are different, with both teams at contrasting stages of preparation.

East Bengal have been competing across tournaments since July, while Inter Kashi began their preparations only a couple of weeks ago. Despite the difference, the hosts have no intention of making concessions to the champions.

East Bengal head coach Antonio Lopez Habas faces a selection challenge with the ISL running alongside the AFC Champions League Two. Following their away fixture against Inter Kashi, the Kolkata side will turn their attention to Al-Seeb.

Asked whether rotation would be necessary, Habas indicated that changes would be limited. “We will make a few changes, but not many,” he said, adding that several players are ready to take their chances.

The coach also dismissed the idea of treating the Inter Kashi fixture merely as preparation for the continental assignment. East Bengal want to win both matches, and the team must be prepared for the travel and recovery demands that come with competing on multiple fronts.

The emphatic opening victory has given the champions a positive start, but Friday’s contest will test their ability to maintain that intensity while managing their resources.

For Carlos Vaz Pinto, the challenge is different. The Inter Kashi head coach knows his side has had considerably less time to prepare, but he does not want that disadvantage to dictate their football.

The Portuguese tactician explained that most of his training sessions focus on developing his own team’s game, rather than concentrating excessively on opponents. East Bengal’s quality demands respect, but not a change in identity.

“We cannot change our idea of the game because of the opponent that we are facing,” Vaz Pinto said, making his intentions clear ahead of the clash.

Inter Kashi drew 1-1 with Odisha FC after coming from behind in their previous outing. Vaz Pinto believes his players must continue building on that performance, even against a side with greater experience and a longer preparation period.

Defender Nischal Chandan, who has started both of Inter Kashi’s opening matches, believes the squad’s collective response will be crucial. With no foreign players in the team and limited options in certain positions, adaptability has become an important part of their preparations.

Chandan acknowledged that foreign recruits can make a difference, but insisted that the gap should not be exaggerated.

“The backing and belief we get from the coach, the club and everyone involved makes us a formidable unit when we step onto the field,” he said.

Vaz Pinto has also prepared players to cover different positions, knowing injuries and squad shortages could become obstacles as the season progresses. Inter Kashi finished their previous match with four wingers on the pitch, underlining the need for flexibility.

East Bengal enter as favourites after their convincing win, but the hosts are determined to make the champions work for every point. For Habas, the priority is to keep the winning run going without exhausting his squad; for Vaz Pinto, it is about proving that a clear identity and collective belief can challenge a more established opponent.

Match details: Inter Kashi FC vs East Bengal FC | Friday, October 23, 2026, 5:00 PM IST, Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi,

Live streaming: MG ISL YouTube channel.