Carles Cuadrat expects a tough game from ATK, Steve Coppell hoping for a win

Both sides head into the game with a draw in their previous game.

League leaders Bengaluru FC are all set to host ATK in what is a crucial ISL fixture for the visiting side, who outside the playoff zone, and need a win to continue on with their resurgence.

The gaffers of both the sides met the media ahead of their encounter, to discuss their plans for the clash.

Coach's Corner

Carles Cuadrat (Bengaluru FC)

The hosts have the meanest defence in the league, conceding a mere eight goals with Albert Serran and Juanan forming an able partnership at the back.

“Last season, after 10 games we had 18 points and this season we have 24.  We have to be happy. It was a wonderful season last year. We reached the first position, keeping a distance (from the rest).

“We have played five games with Miku and five games without him. In the first five games we got 13 points and the next five, we got 11. He is a very important player but the rest of the guys have been working wonderfully and getting the points,” said coach Carles Cuadrat.

In midfield, Harmanjot Khabra will be missing the tie due to suspension which means Cuadrat could either opt to play three foreign midfielders in Erik Paartalu, Xisco Hernandez and Dimas Delgado or possibly hand a chance to Boithang Haokip.

“I am expecting a tough game from ATK. They want to win the points and this is a very important game for them.  We are working on the plan for the game,” said the Bengaluru coach.

Steve Coppell (ATK)

All eyes will be on John Johnson, who spent five years at Bengaluru FC and Eugeneson Lyngdoh, who was an integral part of the club for three seasons. While the English defender has continued to be a regular for his new side ATK, the same cannot be said for Lyngdoh, who has amassed a mere 23 minutes this season for ATK.

ATK come into the game on the back of a goalless draw in Guwahati. In fact, three of their last four matches have ended in a goalless draws. They are the only side to have less than 100 shots in the league so far and only Delhi Dynamos have scored fewer goals in the league than ATK. Against a strong Bengaluru defence, it won’t be easy for Coppell’s men.

“We try to win every game. We don’t think about other options. I don’t know how to play for a draw. That will be the philosophy for tomorrow’s game,” said ATK head coach Steve Coppell.

Steve Coppell’s team are difficult to break down as they have defensively strong players in Johnson, Andre Bikey, Gerson Vieira and Pronay Halder. The English coach will once again employ similar tactics against Bengaluru FC as in the reverse fixture in Kolkata which ended 2-1 in favour of the visitors.

“I’m expecting a tough game. They are unbeaten. They are strong defensively and in offence. It’ s a challenge for every team to try and beat them and be the first team to do so. It will be a tough game but we will try,” said Coppell.  

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Team News

Bengaluru FC

The Blues will be missing their charismatic and versatile midfielder Harmanjot Singh Khabra to a suspension. Apart from Khabra, the Blues do not have any major absentees and are raring to go into the game.

ATK

The Kolkata-based side does not have any injury concerns and are looking forward to the game.

Probable Lineups

Bengaluru FC

Sandhu (GK), Bheke, Juanan, Serran, Nishu, Xisco, Paartalu, Singh, Dimas, Lewis, Chhetri.

ATK

Arindam (GK), Ricky, Bikey, Johnson, Ankit, Gerson, Hitesh, Jayesh, Lanzarote, Everton, Balwant

Did You Know?

• Sunil Chhetri is the highest Indian scorer (5) of the league and the highest scorer in his team. 

• ATK have kept four clean sheets this season, one more than Bengaluru FC.

• Bengaluru have scored 17 goals this season till now, seven more than ATK (10).

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Broadcast

The game will be played live from 7:30 pm at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune and will be telecasted on Star Sports Network, Jio TV and Hotstar.