Preview: ATK Mohun Bagan aim to pile misery on shoddy NorthEast United

The Highlanders have lost all 10 matches this ISL season.

After a very disappointing and forgetful first half of the 2022-23 Indian Super League (ISL) season, NorthEast United would be keen to bounce back in the second half as they take on ATK Mohun Bagan on Saturday.

The Highlanders will host their neighbours in Guwahati in the second match of this weekend’s double-header. It’s been very tough for them so far, but do they have what it takes to turn it around? Let’s dive straight into the preview to find out.

The stakes 

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders have lost all ten games so far this season, two of which have come under their new head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese. However, they can be proud of the way they have evolved and improved ever since the appointment of the Italian tactician.

But, it’s high time they start to pick up points if they want to remain in contention for the playoffs. They came into the game following a 2-1 defeat to FC Goa away from home.

ATK Mohun Bagan

After winning three games in a row, the Mariners were held to a 0-0 draw by Odisha FC in Bhubaneswar. They have had a pretty good season, but injuries to key players like Joni Kauko and Florentin Pogba have made things quite difficult for them going into the second half of the season.

Juan Ferrando can take motivation from the fact that his side have already defeated NorthEast United last month when they played at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. And to add more to their motivation, they have signed Slavko Damjanovic ahead of the January window.

Injury & Team News

Both teams are expected to have a fully fit squad other than their long-term absentees.

Head-to-head

The two sides have come up against each other seven times.

Played - 7

NorthEast United FC - 1

Drawn - 1

ATK Mohun Bagan - 5

Predicted Lineups

NorthEast United XI (4-3-3):

Mirshad Michu (GK); Joe Zoherliana, Gaurav Bora, Michael Jakobsen,Tondonba Singh; Jon Gaztanaga, Imran Khan, Romain Philippoteaux; Parthib Gogoi, Jordan Wilmar, Jithin MS.

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

Vishal Kaith (GK); Ashish Rai, Pritam Kotal, Brendan Hamill, Subhasish Bose; Deepak Tangri, Carl Mchugh; Liston Colaco, Hugo Boumous, Ashique Kuruniyan; Dimitri Petratos

Players to watch

Jordan Wilmar (NorthEast United)

The striker has come into the setup and has already found the back of the net twice already as their joint-highest goal scorer. Although both his goals have come from the spot, Jordan is still a threat to any team.

His aerial presence and ability to take on defenders make him even more dangerous. If NorthEast United want to pick up points, Jordan needs to deliver.

Hugo Boumous (ATK Mohun Bagan)

The French midfielder has been in fine form this season. Boumous has featured in all the matches for ATK Mohun Bagan and has racked up six-goal contributions, including three goals and assists each. 

Boumous is himself very dangerous and his presence in the already dangerous-looking attacking unit at ATK Mohun Bagan makes them even more lethal.

Did You Know?

• NorthEast United have defeated ATK Mohun Bagan only once in seven meetings.
• Only one game between the two sides has ended in a draw.
• ATK Mohun Bagan have won three consecutive games against NorthEast United.

Telecast

The match between NorthEast United FC and ATK Mohun Bagan will be played in the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. The match will kick-off at 19:30 hrs and will be telecasted on the Star Sports network. It will also be live-streamed on Disney Plus Hotstar and Jio TV.