Five key battles as ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC face-off in AFC Cup

The heavyweights of Indian football will clash in the continental showpiece.

ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC are drawn together in Group D of the AFC Cup 2021. They are going to play against each other on August 18, 2021 and aim to qualify from the group. Both teams are heavyweights in the Indian Super League (ISL), but the odds are going to be higher in the AFC Cup. Maziya S&RC and Bashundhara KIngs are the other two teams in the group. 

The clash is highly-anticipated as both teams have several impressive individuals in their squad. The outfits are evenly-matched on-paper and there is little to separate them from each other. There are some heavy hitters in their ranks, be it foreign or domestic players. 

The four teams in Group D will play against each other in a round-robin format on August 18, 21 and 24. The team that tops the table will ultimately advance to the single-leg Inter Zone Semi-final.

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The upcoming tie between ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC can be settled by looking at the possible outcomes of various individual battles on the pitch. Here is a look at the five key battles one must watch out for in ATKMB Vs BFC:

Manvir Singh Vs Ashique Kuruniyan

Manvir Singh has been really impressive on the right flank for ATKMB, playing in a front-three system. The striker has developed a good dribbling ability and is a constant threat in aerial situations. The Indian international has made a strong case and has emerged as a part of the starting lineup through consistent performances.

As things stand, he should face Ashique Kuruniyan on the right flank. BFC have been employing Kuruniyan as a left-back and he also played in that role against Club Eagles in the AFC Cup 2021 playoff. He did pick up an ankle knock, but Marco Pezzaiuoli took him off in the 73rd minute to not aggravate the injury. Kuruniyan will most likely play against ATKMB. 

Pritam Kotal Vs Sunil Chhetri 

Pritam Kotal will be the most experienced defender in the ATK Mohun Bagan squad when they lineup against Bengaluru FC. He might even play as a centre-back or as a right-sided centre-back in a three-man defence. Kotal will have more responsibility in the absence of Sandesh Jhingan (headed to Croatian club HNK Sibenik) and Tiri (not picked in the squad).

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The battle of the skippers will see him come up against Sunil Chhetri. The BFC skipper often plays on the left wing with Cleiton Silva as the target man. Chhetri was sharp in his passing and almost had two assists against Club Eagles. Kotal will need to stay close to his counterpart and not allow him room, otherwise Chhetri could hurt ATKMB with his quality.

Carl McHugh Vs Rohit Kumar

The battle of the midfield will see experienced Carl McHugh clash with youngster Rohit Kumar. The Irishman is the anchor in the ATKMB midfield who provides crucial cover to the defenders. He is absolutely vital to the Mariners as he keeps the ball moving, closes down spaces, loves to tackle and win the ball back. However, he will be up against a Delhi-boy who is out to impress his new employers. 

Rohit Kumar made his debut against Club Eagles for Bengaluru FC. The former KBFC player was impressive in the heart of the midfield, playing alongside Jayesh Rane and Suresh Singh Wangjam. Kumar’s youthful exuberance could be the driving factor behind his and BFC’s success in the upcoming match. 

Hugo Boumous Vs Alan Costa

The battle of the newcomers will see Hugo Boumous up against Alan Costa. The former joined ATKMB from Mumbai City FC for a record transfer fee and would like to start things on a positive note. The Frenchman is a terrifying operator who can hurt any opposition with his creativity and finishing.

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Alan Costa made his debut against Club Eagles and looked very solid. The Brazilian has settled in the squad well and will face his strongest test against ATK Mohun Bagan, in only his second game for Bengaluru FC. He was particularly strong in aerial situations and read the game well. Costa must be wary of Boumous’ threat and keep an eye on his movement.

Roy Krishna Vs Yrondu Musavu-King

The key battle which could decide the outcome of the game. Roy Krishna is the obvious source of threat from the Mariners. The striker has signed a year’s extension and will lead the attacking charge against BFC. He has 14 goals and eight assists in 23 games for ATKMB (15 goals and six assists in 21 games for ATK FC).

Yrondu Musavu-King is the focal point in BFC’s defence. Post Juanan’s departure from the club, the Gabonese has taken on the leadership role in the heart of the backline. He marshalled his troops well against Club Eagles and kept a clean-sheet. The centre-back is adept at aerial duels and Krishna might find it difficult to match him. This will be an interesting battle as both players will use everything in their locker to come out on top.

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