Preview: ATK Mohun Bagan, Hyderabad FC aim to get back to winning ways

Both the teams have failed to score and lost their previous game.

ATK Mohun Bagan aims to recover from the harrowing loss to FC Goa when they host Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) leaders Hyderabad FC on Saturday. With the Nizams already six points ahead of them (with one extra game played), the Mariners hope to reduce that gap and get closer to the ISL top spot with a much-needed ‘big game win’. Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC come into this game on the backdrop of a narrow defeat against Kerala Blasters! They too, will be willing to get back on track.

On that note, let's take a look at what this encounter has to offer!

The Stakes

ATK Mohun Bagan

Juan Ferrando’s side have had a very topsy-turvy start to the season. While they have won three out of their first six games, including a huge away win over Kerala Blasters, things haven’t always gone that easily. The Mariners have struggled in the matches against the ‘big sides’ – losing to FC Goa, Chenaniyin FC and scratching a draw against Mumbai City.

They haven’t completely dominated any game so far and are yet to find their best form. Ferrando hasn’t been helped by injury troubles, but he’s yet to find his best XI this season. He’ll hope his side can hit top gear against the defending ISL playoff winners.

The Mariners’ ultimate ambition is to play in the AFC Champions League. To do so, they need to defeat a top side like Hyderabad and close the gap to the number one spot. A loss can see them nine points behind the top spot, dealing a huge dent in their hopes. However, a win can get them three points closer to Hyderabad with a game in hand. A lot is riding on this major game and ATKMB need to produce their best performance yet to get the win.

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC have had a great start to the season, picking up 16 from a possible 21 points so far. However, like ATKMB, they don’t seem to have hit top gear yet. Four out of their five wins have been 1-0 affairs. They have scored 10 goals from 7 games, which isn’t really enough for a championship contender.

They’re coming at the back of a defeat as well, a surprising 0-1 loss to Kerala Blasters. Manolo Marquez will need to get his side refocused and exploit the weaknesses and lack of confidence within the Mariners.

While a draw can be an acceptable result, Hyderabad FC will be intent on getting a big win at the Salt Lake Stadium. A major win can not only rejuvenate their momentum but also help send a statement of intent to the entire league. It’ll also help them move ahead of the rest of the competition and continue their goal of finishing the league stages in first place.

Injury &Team News

ATK Mohun Bagan recently suffered a huge blow as Joni Kauko was ruled out for the season after sustaining an ACL injury. Avilash Paul is also injured, while Florentin Pogba could be back from injury.

For Hyderabad FC, Laxmikant Kattimani has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. The availability of youngster Rohit Danu and left-back Manoj Mohammad is also questionable.

Head-to-Head

ATK Mohun Bagan and Hyderabad FC have faced each other six times in the ISL so far. The Mariners have won twice, losing one game.

Played  - 6

ATKMB – 2

Hyderabad FC – 1

Drawn – 3

Predicted Line-ups

ATK Mohun Bagan (4-2-3-1)

Vishal Kaith (GK), Asish Rai, Pritam Kotal, Brendan Hamill, Subhasish Bose, Carl McHugh, Deepak Tangri, Manvir Singh, Hugo Boumous, Liston Colaco, Dimitri Petratos

Hyderabad FC (4-2-3-1)

Anuj Kumar (GK), Nikhil Poojary, Odei Onaindia, Chinglensana Singh, Akash Mishra, Sahil Tavora, Joao Victor, Mohammad Yasir, Javier Saveiro, Halicharan Narzary, Bartholomew Ogbeche

Player to Watch

Dimitri Petratos (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Dimitri Petratos has not scored in his last four games for ATK Mohun Bagan. As a matter of fact, his only goals so far have come in one game – the 5-2 win over Kerala Blasters. Regardless, the Aussie has developed into an influential player for the Mariners. His smart movement, ability to rotate around the pitch and clever link-up play can trouble the best of defenders.

Petratos has that special element to send the likes of Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh through on goal with his incisive passes. If he can get some freedom in the game, the forward can help create special opportunities for ATKMB and be a decisive factor.

Mohammad Yasir (Hyderabad FC)

Mohammed Yasir has been enjoying a superb season for the Nizams so far. The 24-year-old has four goal contributions (two goals, two assists) in seven games so far – including match-winning goals against Jamshedpur FC and Odisha FC. Yasir has found that cutting edge in his game and is tormenting defenders with his unpredictable style.

He’s also blessed with a beautiful left foot which can whip in troubling set-pieces and glance dangerous shots on target. Yasir will hope to terrorize Subhasish Bose, cut into central areas and get into the heart of his side’s attacking moves. If given too much space to operate in the final third, the 24-year-old can definitely run riot.

Did You Know?

• Only Mumbai City (20) and Kerala Blasters (13) have scored more goals than ATK Mohun Bagan (12) so far this season.
• Hyderabad FC have been heavily reliant on crosses this ISL season, topping the charts for most successful crosses (114).
• Vishal Kaith has made 20 saves this season, more than any other goalkeeper in the ISL.
• Hyderabad FC have kept five clean sheets in seven games this season, the most for any team.

Telecast

The match between ATK Mohun Bagan and Hyderabad FC will take place at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on November 26 (Saturday). The kick-off time is 7:30 pm IST. The game will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match.