Preview: Chennaiyin FC seek resurgence against ATK Mohun Bagan

The match has huge stakes in the race for the playoffs spots.

Chennaiyin FC will come up against ATK Mohun Bagan in the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) contest. The match is going to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, 21 January 2023. 

The Marina Machans will be the underdogs when the Mariners visit them on the weekend. There is a lot of quality in both teams but the forms are different coming into the game. Having said that, these two teams have a strong foreign line-up and boast fabulous domestic players. 

It will be an exciting game, one that will most likely deliver massively in terms of entertainment. Here is a look at what to expect from the Chennaiyin FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan clash in the ISL:

The Stakes

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC must start winning consistently to keep their hopes alive for the playoffs. The outfit has 16 points from 13 fixtures and a win will keep them on the periphery of the top six places. With no wins in the last four fixtures, the upcoming game will test the club’s resolve while playing in front of their own spectators at home.

ATK Mohun Bagan

ATK Mohun Bagan will aim to confirm their playoffs qualification as soon as possible. While finishing on top of the table looks unlikely, the club will hope to secure three points and find a comfortable ground heading towards the business end of the season. 

Injury & Team News

Chennaiyin FC see Nasser El Khayati recover. ATK Mohun Bagan on the other hand, will miss the services of Manvir Singh. Dimitri Petratos is also likely to not feature in the game.

Head-to-Head

Chennaiyin FC and ATK Mohun Bagan have locked horns five times prior to this clash.

Chennaiyin FC - 1

ATK Mohun Bagan - 2

Drawn - 2

Predicted Line-ups

Chennaiyin FC (4-2-3-1)

Samik Mitra (GK), Ajith Kumar, Vafa Hakhamaneshi, Fallou Diagne, Aakash Sangwan, Ninthoi Meetei, Julius Duker, Anirudh Thapa, Jiteshwor Singh, Vincy Barretto, Petar Sliskovic. 

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

Vishal Kaith (GK), Asish Rai, Pritam Kotal, Brendan Hamill, Subhasish Bose, Puitea, Carl McHugh, Liston Colaco, Federico Gallego, Ashique Kuruniyan, Hugo Boumous.

Player to Watch

Petar Sliskovic (Chennaiyin FC)

Petar Sliksovic is in fabulous goal-scoring form for Chennaiyin FC. The tall striker is a sensational target-man and a threat in the box. His finishing capabilities make him a dangerous operator.

Sliskovic already has eight goals this season, one behind leaders Cleiton Silva and Jorge Pereyra Diaz, who have nine. He was the scorer for Chennaiyin FC in their last match against Hyderabad. It is imperative for ATK Mohun Bagan to mark the striker closely, otherwise he could hurt them. 

Hugo Boumous (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Hugo Boumous will be the biggest threat to the Chennaiyin FC defence in the upcoming fixture. The attacking midfielder is the most crucial element of ATK Mohun Bagan’s attacking force. His dribbling, vision, creativity and finishing, make him an all-rounder who is difficult to contain.

Even on occasions where he does not produce a goal contribution, Boumous plays a huge role in creating chances. His confidence on the ball is immaculate and he can single-handedly turn the tides of any fixture.

Did You Know?

• ATK Mohun Bagan’s Vishal Kaith is a former Chennaiyin FC player.
• Chennaiyin FC’s Julius Duker was part of the VfL Wolfsburg youth team from 2010 to 2012.
• The reverse fixture saw Chennaiyin FC defeat ATK Mohun Bagan in the ISL 2022-23 opener for both teams.

Telecast

The Chennaiyin FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan match will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai. The kick-off time is 7:30 PM IST. The live telecast of the game will be available on the Star Sports Network while the Disney+Hotstar and JioTV apps will live stream it.