Preview: ATK Mohun Bagan hunt for revenge against Hyderabad FC

The two best defences in the league go head-to-head, with no dearth of attacking firepower.

Indian Super League 2022-23 is reaching its conclusion. Post the culmination of the league stage and knockout fixtures, the semi-finals are next up. The 2021-22 ISL winner, Hyderabad FC, is set to take on ATK Mohun Bagan in the second semi-final across two legs.

The first leg will take place on 9th March 2023 at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad. Both teams have a lot of quality in their respective squads and the clash between them will likely produce a lot of entertainment.

The stakes are high and the prize on offer is a place in the final. Here is a look at what to expect from HFC vs ATKMB first leg:

The Stakes

Hyderabad FC will be hoping to fend off ATK Mohun Bagan’s challenge and make their way into the final. Winning the first leg at their home ground will be crucial in achieving this feat. The Mariners are a strong outfit and navigating past them will not be an easy task. However, the reigning champions will take motivation from the fact that they are mighty close to defending their crown.

ATK Mohun Bagan havw enormous expectations on their shoulders. The squad is full of sensational domestic and foreign players. Fans of the club expect the side to win trophies and Juan Ferrando must deliver this season to answer his critics as head coach. The Nizams knocked the Mariners out last season at the same stage and exacting revenge will be high on the priority list.

Team News

Probable Lineups

Hyderabad FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Odei Onaindia, Nikhil Poojary (C), Chinglensana Singh, Akash Mishra, Joel Chianese, Mohammad Yasir, Sahil Tavora, Halicharan Narzary, Joao Victor, Bartholomew Ogbeche.

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

Vishal Kaith (GK), Asish Rai, Pritam Kotal (C), Slavko Damjanovic, Subhasish Bose, Federico Gallego, Glan Martins, Hugo Boumous, Ashique Kuruniyan, Manvir Singh, Dimitri Petratos

Head to Head

Total Matches Played - 8

Hyderabad FC wins - 2

ATK Mohun Bagan wins - 3

Draws - 3

Player to Watch

Mohammad Yasir (Hyderabad FC)

Mohammad Yasir is one of the most exciting Indian players to watch. His pace and movement make him a tough opponent. The winger can create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates with his exquisite dribbling skills.

ATK Mohun Bagan’s Subhasish Bose will aim to stay close to the winger who operates on the right flank. Heading into the first leg of the semi-final, Mohammad Yasir has three goals and four assists this season.

Dimitri Petratos (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Dimitri Petratos is crucial to ATK Mohun Bagan’s game plan. He offers a lot of options with his versatility. The striker is adept at hold-up play as a No.9, can hurt the opposition with his set-piece deliveries, and can find the back of the net in pressure situations with his finishing qualities.

He has 10 goals and seven assists in 20 appearances and will be a serious threat to Hyderabad FC's defence. Manolo Marquez must strategize to limit Petratos’ influence on the game.

Did You Know?

• ATK Mohun Bagan’s Asish Rai is a former Hyderabad FC player.
• Liston Colaco of the Mariners played 23 matches for the Nizams before moving.
• ATK Mohun Bagan has never won the ISL trophy

Telecast

The kick-off for the game is set for a 7:30 PM start. The live telecast will be available on the Star Sports Network. Disney+ Hotstar app and JioTV will live stream the game.