Preview: ATK Mohun Bagan aim to carry momentum against NorthEast United

The Highlanders have defeated the Mariners once prior to this encounter.

ATK Mohun Bagan are determined to get back winning ways in the Indian Super League (ISL) against a struggling NorthEast United side on Thursday. The Mariners picked up a stunning late point against Mumbai City and will hope to build on that momentum against the Highlanders. NorthEast United have lost all five of their ISL games this season and will need to pull off a miracle to upset ATKMB in their own yard.

The Stakes

ATK Mohun Bagan

The Mariners showed a lot of character in their draw against Mumbai City, earning a point from a tough situation. However, Juan Ferrando will now want to see his side back to winning ways. As they sit six points behind league leaders Hyderabad FC (with a game in hand), the Mariners can’t afford to drop more points.

Moreover, doing so against a struggling side like NorthEast United – who have lost all their games this season – will be truly gutting for the Mariners. It would not only dent their title aspirations, but also lower the confidence levels of the players. A win is a necessity and something they truly need to re-join the league title race.

NorthEast United

It’s not unfair to tag NorthEast United as the worst team in the ISL, at least looking at their current form. No other team this season have lost all their games and the Highlanders are really struggling under Marco Bulbul. They’ve suffered some embarrassing losses in recent weeks and are at a real low point in their campaign.

But the Highlanders can revitalize their campaign with any kind of a positive result against ATKMB. Even snatching a draw or a narrow win can give a huge surge in momentum to the team. It can help them bounce back and get a proper start to the season. Another loss, however, will further deplete the confidence level in the side.

Team News

Florentin Pogba is ruled out for the game after sustaining an injury recently. Though Pogba was there with the team on the eve of the NEUFC game, he wasn't seen training with the side. Avilash Paul is also injured, being the two absentees for ATKMB alongside the suspended Lenny Rodrigues. NorthEast United are also expected to have a fit squad with Romain Philippoteaux getting few minutes in the previous game.

Head-to-Head

ATK Mohun Bagan have faced NorthEast United six times in the ISL, winning four games and losing just once. The other fixture ended in a draw.

Probable Line-Ups

ATK Mohun Bagan: Vishal Kaith (GK), Asish Rai, Pritam Kotal, Brendan Hamil, Subhasish Bose, Deepak Tangri, Joni Kauko, Hugo Boumous, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Dimitri Petratos

NorthEast United: Mirshad Michu (GK), Joe Zoherliana, Mashoor Shereef, Gaurav Bora, Michael Jackobsen, Gurjinder Kumar, Emil Benny, Jon Gaztanaga, Romain Philippoteaux, Jithin MS, Matt Derbyshire

Man to Watch

Joni Kauko (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Having scored his first goal of the season against Mumbai City, Joni Kauko is high on confidence. He’ll probably take up a more advanced midfield role against NorthEast and look to create a bigger impact in attack. Kauko is among ATKMB’s most creative players, as he can play exquisite through-balls that can leave the visitors in tatters. He also boasts of some impressive finishing and shooting ability.

Without too much defensive responsibilities on him, the Finland midfielder will be free to do more damage against NorthEast. That itself should make him a menacing factor for the Highlanders.

Romain Philippoteaux (NorthEast United)

Having scored just one goal in five games, not much can be praised about NorthEast United’s attacking prowess. However, they’ll have to take the game to the Mariners to get any sort of a result on Thursday. One player that still has Bulbul’s confidence is midfielder Romain Philippoteaux. The Frenchman has lots of experience of playing in Ligue 1 for multiple sides like Auxerre and Nimes.

He’s been bright in patches in the ISL so far, with his movement and dribbling ability creating some memorable stuff. But Romain has to rediscover his final product. He needs to nail those key final passes or shots on goal. ATKMB would be fools to underestimate the ability of the 34-year-old, who can run riot if he's able to rediscover his finishing prowess.

Did You Know?

• Liston Colaco has had five shots on targets so far this season – the joint-most for any Indian player – but is yet to score a goal.
• NorthEast United are the only side in the ISL this season who are yet to score a goal in 90 minutes.
• Vishal Kaith has made 14 saves for ATKMB this season, the joint-second most for any ISL goalkeeper.

Telecast

The match between ATK Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United will take place at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on November 10 (Thursday). The kick-off time is 7:30 pm IST. The game will telecast live on the Star Sports Network. Disney+HotStar and JioTV will also stream the match.