Preview: FC Goa eye maiden win over ATK Mohun Bagan

The match will witness tactician Juan Ferrando along with many players going up against their former sides.

FC Goa will lock horns with a revitalised ATK Mohun Bagan side in the Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) match at the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday. Carlos Pena’s men have won three and lost two of their opening five matches, while Juan Ferrando's side have registered 10 points from their five games!

The Gaurs can capitalise on the extra playoffs spot as per the AIFF’s revisions. Although their head coach is well versed in the nitty gritties of the League from his player days, he must prove his mettle as the tactician to the board. Ferrando has had a mixed start to life this season as his side have secured ten points from a possible fifteen. Eyes will be on both coaches and how the two will manage to crack the formula.

Here is what we can look forward to in the upcoming clash between FC Goa and ATK Mohun Bagan.

The Stakes

FC Goa

Following a disappointing loss against a spirited Kerala Blasters, the Gaurs should be all primed to take the wind out of the Mariners' sails. FC Goa’s primary aim this season is the knockouts, given the transitional phase they are in.

Moreover, their tactician has continuously stressed playing for the three points more often than not in his pre-match press conferences. The Gaurs must look to get all three points against the Kolkata-based outfit and consolidate their standings.

ATK Mohun Bagan

ATK Mohun Bagan have a fair share of expectations on their shoulders given the additional recruitments. The Mariners have had a positive start to their campaign under Juan Ferrando's leadership. Despite an opening loss to Chennaiyin FC, the Mariners were galvanised by rotational changes and picked up pace. After a few convincing wins, the Green & Maroons will need to keep up the work if they are to progress to the knockouts this time.

Team News

ATK Mohun Bagan have a few injuries on hand with Tiri out for the season and Florentin Pogba still not back. Lenny Rodrigues however, will be available for selection after being sent off in the game against Mumbai City.

FC Goa will on the other hand, have a fully fit roster to field against ATK Mohun Bagan and the manager will have to get creative to select this best line-up. 

Head-to-Head

FC Goa and ATK Mohun Bagan have clashed four times in the ISL. ATK Mohun Bagan have the superior record with three wins, while FC Goa has only managed a stalemate at best.

Goa have also faltered considerably when it comes to the number of goals scored with only two apiece while ATKMB have managed six.

Probable Line-ups

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

FC Goa: Dheeraj Singh (GK); Seriton Fernandes, Anwar Ali, Marc Valiente, Aiban Dohling; Edu Bedia, Ayush Dev Chhetri; Redeem Tlang, Brandon Fernandes, Iker Guarrotxena; Noah Sadaoui.

Man to Watch

Noah Sadaoui (FC Goa)

Noah has been the bright spot among all the blemishes of Carlos Pena's side this season. The Moroccan winger has three goals in five appearances for his side and has been involved in a variety of goals. The pacey forward possesses threat as a fox in the box, as he leaps to vie for headers. Although the Mariners defence has not exactly been leaky, Noah's versatility has the potential to hurt them.

Joni Kauko (ATK Mohun Bagan)

The Gaurs were seriously hurt by Ivan Kalyuzhnyi's rampaging space-creating runs and cutthroat finishing in the previous match against Kerala Blasters. If his contribution is anything to go by, Joni Kauko can have a similar impact and grant the Mariners an extra dimension in attack.

Goa are almost guaranteed to deploy Edu Bedia and Ayush Dev Chhetri in the middle of the park. Additionally, the latter will often have to cover the former's penetrative runs. Kauko's free roaming role should be stressed by Juan Ferrando if he is to find spaces in between the lines and allow ATK Mohun Bagan to attack more centrally.

Did You Know?

• Both head coach Carlos Pena and ATK Mohun Bagan's star midfielder Hugo Boumous plied their trade for FC Goa during 2018-20.
• ATK Mohun Bagan's Joni Kauko is the only ISL player to have competed in the UEFA Nations League as he gained four caps for Finland.
• FC Goa's Iker Guarrotxena is a seasoned La Liga veteran with 22 goals for Athletic Bilbao in a whopping 92 appearances.

Telecast

The live telecast of the FC Goa vs ATK Mohun Bagan match will be available on the Star Sports Network. The match will be streamed live on Disney+Hotstar and JioTV. Kick-off is at 7:30 PM on Sunday at the Fatorda Stadium.