Hyderabad FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan: Three key battles to decide the outcome

These duels will ensure how the teams fare in the first leg.

Hyderabad FC and ATK Mohun Bagan square off in the second Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs on Thursday. It will be a repeat of the same fixture from last season, when the Nawabs prevailed and went onto win the ISL final.

This time, the Mariners aim to put an end to their shaky recent record against Hyderabad and maintain their winning momentum. Both sides are packed with a lot of quality, both in terms of foreigners and plenty of India internationals in their squads as well.

Their games have been thrilling yet tight affairs this season, separated by fine margins. The same should be expected in the playoffs. With a lot of talented players on the pitch, a number of key duels will also determine the result. So let’s look at the three key battles that could decide the clash.

3. Manvir Singh vs Akash Mishra

Manvir Singh has picked up form since returning from injury for ATK Mohun Bagan and has assisted in his last few appearances. The wing-forward can be a menace when in-form, but Akash Mishra will probably fancy a battle with his fellow national teammate. The Hyderabad FC left-back has been one of the sturdiest full-backs in the ISL this season, making the most tackles (30) for his club. Singh’s bursting runs and physical link-up play can be a major problem for most defenders.

Akash can be expected to use his proactive defensive style to keep the winger quiet. These two players anyhow know a lot about their strengths or weaknesses, having played together for the Blue Tigers. It’ll be fascinating to see how the players outwit each other and if Mishra can neutralize Manvir’s attacking threat and be a menacing factor with his overlapping runs too.

2. Dimitri Petratos vs Odei Onaindia

Dimitri Petratos and Odei Onaindia have arguably been two of the best new signings made by ISL clubs this season.  While the Australian forward has been a leader in the attack, the Spanish defender’s been a commander at the back. Petratos has arguably had more influence, dragging ATK Mohun Bagan to positive results in an injury-plagued season.

He’s scored 10 goals and provided seven assists this season. He’s also created more chances (52) than any other player in the ISL. The 30-year-old’s a real livewire in the attack and is difficult to keep quiet. That’s why Onaindia needs to be at his best to maintain an extremely tight defensive line.

He needs to command his fellow defenders to keep a tight shape and not allow Petratos any space to create moves or score. With Petratos always annoying defenders by dropping deep or moving into other positions, he knows how to keep the marker off him. A bit of a cat-and-mouse chase could ensue between the two on Thursday. That will make it a fascinating battle that could potentially determine the result.

1. Bartholomew Ogbeche vs Pritam Kotal

Bart Ogbeche does not seem to be slowing down with age and is now well accustomed to how to shine in ISL playoffs. He’s been kept well-rested for these games and should be able to perform at his fittest in a while. Ogbeche haunted ATK Mohun Bagan the last time he faced them. He scored a crucial goal to help Hyderabad solidify a second-place finish.

It’ll be extremely important for the ATK Mohun Bagan defence to not give him freedom and keep a tight mark on him all game long. Pritam Kotal has been a bit of an underrated star for the Mariners this season and put in solid performances against the best. He’s made the second most interceptions (41) for ATK Mohun Bagan this season and is a prolific figure at the back.

Kotal’s impressive game-reading and ability to make clutch challenges will be crucial in his quest to deal with Hyderabad’s best threat. He needs to keep a close eye on Ogbeche and restrict his movement in the final third to frustrate him. Ogbeche, however, has the ability to trick the best of defenders and get himself in key scoring areas. Kotal has a huge job on his hands. He knows that keeping Bart quiet can restrict a major attacking strength for the Nawabs. But if Ogbeche is given too much freedom, he can run riot against the ATK Mohun Bagan backline and take the game away from them.