Pune City look to do the double against ATK at home

The remarkable ISL season rolls on as these two teams find their roles reversed from previous campaigns.

The race for one of the four semi-final spots in the Hero Indian Super League heats up as the action moves into the business end of the competition with some teams more than content with their showing in the first leg.

Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC and to some extent FC Goa should be happy with their campaign in the first leg that propelled them to the top half of the table. FC Pune City have also done reasonably well but are still to convince that they are the real contenders for a place in the knockout stage.

With 16 points from 10 matches, they are currently placed third on the table but will know that there are others circling around to knock them off and occupy that slot. Once such team surely is ATK, and when they face off against each other at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune, on Saturday, it would make for an interesting contest.

Both teams know that semi-final spots are limited and they would need to displace the other if they are to work their way to the top. Pune, in particular, will be even more determined after losing their previous clash against Chennaiyin FC by a solitary goal.

“We didn’t play as good as the first half, we had opportunities but didn’t made use of them,” said Pune City assistant coach Vladica Grujic, adding, “they would like to work towards not to concede goals in second half.” From the 11 goals conceded by Pune City so far, ten have come to haunt them in second half.

Part of Pune’s problems against Chennaiyin in the previous game were due to the absence of star striker Marcelinho. The Brazilian missed the game due to suspension but will be back to trouble ATK. It was Marcelinho who scored a double against ATK in the first leg clash in Kolkata as Pune recorded an astounding 1-4 victory.

That defeat at home would have hurt the defending champions ATK but they have since then grown from strength to strength. Teddy Sheringham’s side struggled during the early part of the season and tasted their first win only during the fifth game. The slow start hampered ATK’s progress but they now have a chance to catch up in the league.

“We are here to make amends to the result. We had to deal with the 4-1 loss in the first leg and we want to change that here,” Sheringham said.

Sheringham is aware of his team’s low scoring record this season and is looking at setting things right in this game. “We haven’t scored goals as much as we would like to. But it’s not a reflection on our strikers. It’s tough to score goals, and we are trying to work on it. We have the strength at the front and we are looking at everything to improve in this game.”  

ATK since their last win over NorthEast United, have strengthened their side considerably with the arrival of David Cotterill (winger), Martin Paterson (striker) and Soram Poirei (goalkeeper). Star striker Robbie Keane is recovering too, providing Sheringham with the perfect ammunition to gun down a place among the top four.

Head to Head

FC Pune City 4 – 1 ATK (2 draws)

Key Players

Emiliano Alfaro (FC Pune City)

The Uruguayan has been at his prolific best this season in the attacking front for his team. His combination with Brazilian Marcelinho has worked wonders for the Stallions. The two South Americans have linked up effectively to tear apart opposing defences with their blistering pace and clinical finishing. Alfaro has five goals and an assist to his name this season and will look to put on his scoring boots when ATK come calling.

Prabir Das (ATK)

The right-back has been consistently producing stellar performances for ATK down the right channel. Not only is Das a strong defender who is tough to bypass, he is very quick with the ball as well, initiating counter-attacks with gusto. His crossing has been exceptional, and as a reliable defender and a useful attacker, Das is one of the few proven multi-utility players in the league. The Indian full-back will have a big job at hand against Pune’s dangerous front line.

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Potential Starting Lineups

FC Pune City

Ranko Popovic will probably field a 4-2-3-1 formation with Emiliano Alfaro spearheading the Stallions’ attack.

Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith

Defenders: Sarthak Golui, Gurtej Singh, Rafael Lopez, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai

Midfielders: Diego Carlos, Adil Khan, Jonatan Lucca, Marcelinho, Ashique Kuruniyan

Forward: Emiliano Alfaro

Pune’s assistant coach Vladica Grujic on how to tackle the opponents: “Tomorrow, we face the champions from last year. They are a very strong opponent. We know how they play. We have to mobilise. We have to give everything to try to win this game.”

ATK

Teddy Sheringham is also likely to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which offers his team numerous options in attack.

Goalkeeper: Debjit Majumder

Defenders: Ashutosh Mehta, Jordi Montel, Tom Thorpe, Prabir Das

Midfielders: Zequinha, Ryan Taylor, Conor Thomas, Hitesh Sharma, Jayesh Rane

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Forward: Robin Singh

ATK head coach Teddy Sheringham on his team’s objectives for the fixture: “The result is all we want to change. That’s what it’s about. That’s what makes football so fun to be involved in. We weren’t happy with the 4 – 1 loss in the first game, and we are here to make amends for that.”