Preview: Bengaluru FC, ATK Mohun Bagan seek consistency

The Blues haven't defeated the Mariners in the last five clashes across all competitions.

A rivalry that runs back to the I-League days for both teams, Bengaluru FC and ATK Mohun Bagan have always promised fireworks every time they clashed. Both have endured rocky starts to the ISL 2022-23 season.

ATK Mohun Bagan have struggled to stitch a sequence of victories together, while Bengaluru FC ended a run of four straight defeats with a 2-0 victory against FC Goa.

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

The Stakes

Bengaluru FC

Securing a valuable three points on the road after a 4-0 demolition at the hands of Mumbai City augurs well for Bengaluru’s attempt to climb up the table. Injury woes and a rough fixture run made the initial bit of the season very challenging for the Durand Cup 2022 champions, but now is the moment to build some momentum if BFC want to challenge for a playoff spot.

Bengaluru currently sit in the ninth place with seven points. They will want to get back to winning ways at home, after losing to East Bengal last time out at the Kanteerava.

ATK Mohun Bagan

The Mariners’ last four results read: draw, win, loss, win. Marred by inconsistent displays and an over-reliance on individual talent, ATK Mohun Bagan are not the well-oiled machine they were in previous seasons. They are fourth on the table with 13 points but with the chasing pack very close behind, the aim will be to build some points buffer.

Team News

Joni Kauko being ruled out of the league with an ACL injury is a big blow for ATKMB. Manvir Singh has made the travelling squad but came off with an injury in the 1-0 victory against Hyderabad last week.

Bengaluru FC are carrying a few niggles but no long-term absentees. They are looking to replace Prince Ibara with 29-year-old Spanish attacking midfielder Pablo Perez, according to Spanish reports.

Head-to-Head

Both teams have faced off twelve times in the Indian Super League. Both Bengaluru FC and ATK Mohun Bagan have won five each, with 2 draws.

Bengaluru FC - 5

ATK Mohun Bagan - 5

Drawn - 2

Predicted Line-ups

Bengaluru FC (4-3-3)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Prabir Das, Sandesh Jhingan, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Namgyal Bhutia, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Javi Hernandez, Danish Farooq, Udanta Singh, Roy Krishna, Naorem Roshan Singh

ATK Mohun Bagan (4-3-3)

Vishal Kaith, Asish Rai, Pritam Kotal, Brendan Hamill, Subhasish Bose, Deepak Tangri, Hugo Boumous, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Ashique Kuruniyan, Dimitri Petratos, Liston Colaco

Player to Watch

Javi Hernandez (Bengaluru FC)

The former Mariner has finally gotten off the mark in Blue with two well-taken goals against Goa. He is orchestrating well in the middle of the pitch, keeping the play ticking with accurate passes and will be in charge of set-pieces too. The growing link between Javi and Roy will be a source of goals going ahead and with some new attacking signings slated to arrive, BFC will be hoping that this partnership gels quickly.

Dimitri Petratos (ATK Mohun Bagan)

The Australian has gotten off to a wonderful start. He already has three goals and five assists from six matches and is a very difficult player to mark. He always has goal contributions in him and turns up for the big matches with crucial performances. Having filled the gaping boots of David Williams and Roy Krishna, Petratos is an established presence and a terror for opposition defenders.

Did You Know?

• Subhasish Bose was a Bengaluru FC player from 2016 to 2018.

• Bengaluru FC have not beaten ATK Mohun Bagan in their last five clashes across all competitions.

Telecast

The match between Bengaluru FC and ATK Mohun Bagan will take place at the Sri Kanteerava Stadium on December 3rd (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.