Tower Hamlets joint boss Ade Abayomi thinks experience will be key in his side’s derby with Sporting Bengal this weekend, writes Will Perridge.

Abayomi and AJ Ashanike saw their side win 3-2 when the sides met earlier this season and believes having their experienced players available is a huge positive.

He said: “There are some experienced players missing at the moment.

“Some of them have gone away, some have got injuries. They are the ones who are key for games like this because they have experience in playing these games.”

The Hamlets co-boss knows his side may have to play without some of these vital players, though, adding: “It would be nice if all the experienced players were available but we will not know if they are until we check. Every player should be available for a game like this and most of them are.”

The rivalry between Tower Hamlets and Sporting Bengal boils down to many factors, including the fact that they share Mile End Stadium.

Abayomi is adamant his players know just how big the game ahead of them is, adding: “You don’t need to say much to the players. They know what’s required, they don’t want to be beaten in these games.

“We share the stadium, most players know each other and know what the games mean to both management teams and the owners of the club. It’s a derby that’s been going on for years; it’s always full of tension.”

Hamlets go into the game on a run of bad form having lost three of their last four league games.

However Abayomi believes form is irrelevant when it comes to derby day, adding: “The past results have not been in our favour but recent results don’t come into it when you play your local rivals. It’s a battle of who wants it more on the day.”

Abayomi is aware just how much Sporting will want it after his side’s victory the last time they met.

“It’s going to be a very tough game, we won the last game we played with them so they will be looking to get one back,” he said.

“But I think we have enough to get something out of the game.”