Eelco Schattorie: I have never lost against ATK

The Kerala Blasters head coach also feels that unavailability of ATK forward David Williams will not provide his side with an advantage.

After a thumping 5-1 win over Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters now travels to Kolkata to play against high flying ATK on Sunday. Ahead of the big clash, head coach Eelco Schattorie interacted with the media and shared his thoughts on various aspects of his team.

"We are the only team with seven foreigners and out of them, six have been injured. We have struggled with our defence. In the midfield also we have had to make constant changes. I have not been able to field the same XI in two successive games," Eelco Schattorie stated on his team's struggle this season. 

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The Dutchman also reiterated about the difference of this game to the one they player at the start of the season. "In the opening game, they didn't know anything about us and we didn't know anything about them. This game I know exactly where their weaknesses are and how are they scoring. I have a good gameplan," Eelco Schattorie quipped.

"The 5-1 win gives our team a lot of confidence. I have never lost against ATK. Last season I won once and drew the other time. So I hope to get another win tomorrow," the Kerala Blasters boss said.

Thoughts On Set-Pieces

Eelco Schattorie also explained how his team has suffered from set-pieces for most of the season as he added, "Most goals we have conceded from set-pieces. You can work on that. I know how to organize my team. It is difficult to play against us. You have to implement them in the field. Also, constant changing in personnel does not help. You got to know when to do, what to do and what not to do."

Eelco Schattorie denied having any advantage ahead of the clash due to the unavailability of David Williams. "Every team has to deal with injuries. But ATK is one of the squads which has a lot of quality behind each player. So they will come up with another potent option. They have Balwant Singh. They have too many options," he concluded.

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Team News

Eelco Schattorie has had a very busy treatment table till now in the current season but at this point of time, he has more players available to field a full string squad. However, Mario Arques is set to miss out this match due to injury. 

Head To Head

ATK and Kerala Blasters share a very feisty rivalry and the match is cherished by both sets of supporters. Both the sides have faced each other 13 times till now in ISL history with ATK beating the Blasters thrice while Kerala Blasters have managed to muster three wins with the other six matches ending in a draw.

Predicted Lineup

Rehenesh (GK); Rakip, Zuiverloon, Drobarov, Carneiro; Jeakson, Gning; Seitysen, Messi Bouli, Narzary; Ogbeche.

Broadcast

The game will take place at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Sunday. It will be telecasted live on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD. It will also be available for streaming on Hotstar and Jio TV.