ISL 2019-20: ATK host Hyderabad FC in search of first league points

Both sides will be vying for their first win in the ISL 2019-20 season.

Following a defeat against Kerala Blasters, ATK now are looking towards their first three points of the league against new entrants Hyderabad FC when they face the southern outfit on Friday evening.

Back to their own den at the Salt Lake Stadium, there’s new-found optimism this season with Antonio Habas having churned an exciting-looking squad of his own. Their star strikers Roy Krishna and David Williams failed to impress against the Blasters, but aim to establish fan-favourite statuses by succeeding at home.

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The Kolkata outfit face the unpredictable threat of Hyderabad FC in their opening home game, with Phil Brown’s side packed with enough firepower to deliver a lethal blow to the very best.

With the visitors looking to make a bright impression in their league debut, it’ll take quite some doing for ATK to properly kick-start their season by proving their mettle at home.

The Stakes

Luck might’ve been against ATK in their season opener as the crushing loss began their season on the wrong foot.

Having been unable to pick up a win in their first two games last season, ATK wouldn’t want to experience a bitter case of déjà vu this time around. With some big guns already making their presence felt in the ISL, a win is crucial towards shaping a positive campaign for Habas’ men.

For Hyderabad FC, a win in their ISL debut can prove they will be no weak link of the league this time around. A new franchise with old blood, getting points from the Salt Lake Stadium can shape up a promising debut campaign for them as well.

Hyderabad FC are being considered as the dark horses of the campaign and there’s a lot riding on making an impactful debut to prove they deserve their place in India’s top league.

Team News

Jobby Justin remains on the sidelines for ATK after being forced to see out the suspension he received towards the fag end of last season. Anas Edathodika is back from his suspension and will be available for picking on Friday.

Hyderabad FC have a fully fit unit, but Nestor Gordillo will unavailable as All India Football Federation (AIFF) Players’ Status Committee handed the Spaniard a three-month ban on 13 August 2019. The 30-year-old will be missing out on Hyderabad FC's first eight games in the league this season.

Head-To-Head

ATK and Hyderabad FC (formerly FC Pune City) have faced off 10 times till date, out of which ATK have won two times and Hyderabad FC (formerly FC Pune City) winning it in five games. Three matches between the two outfits ended as draws.

Man To Watch

Roy Krishna (ATK)

The best glimpse Roy Krishna gave the fans on his ATK debut was whirling past a few bodies in the first half, only to scuff at the last moment. Last season’s A-League Golden Boot winner has many goals in him and perhaps will showcase his best skills at home against the league debutants.

Krishna’s a clinical aspect in the final third, with his finishing ability giving him all his fame. Hyderabad FC don’t have the best of defensive shapes, so Krishna will look to capitalize on their errors to take a few swipes and get his first goal to get his season properly underway in the ISL.

Marcelinho (Hyderabad FC)

The Brazilian is an experienced candidate in the ISL and will be their creative link forward thanks to his samba flair. Marcelinho was FC Pune City’s most influential attacker with six goals and four assists last season and will look to light things up for his new side this time around.

Knowing his trickery on the ball, creative side and sweet striking ability, he’ll be the focal point of Hyderabad’s attack as they start gelling as a unit. ATK have a rather scrappy midfield, so the Brazilian will look to move into the pockets of spaces and get things done in the final third to help give his side the perfect start to their ISL career.

Probable Lineups

ATK: Arindam (GK); Kotal, Agus, McHugh, Prabir; Soosairaj, Sehnaj, Hernandez, Rane; Williams, Krishna.

Hyderabad FC: Kamaljit (GK); Rai, Gomez, Kilgallon, Panwar; Adil, Stankovic, Ralte; Marcelinho, Robin, Bobo.

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Did You Know?

• ATK scored the lowest number of goals at home last season, only netting nine goals from as many game.
• Under Habas, ATK had a 50% winning rate at home over their first two seasons in the ISL.
• FC Pune City (now Hyderabad FC) Antonio Lopez Habas's last job before taking up the managerial charge at ATK.

Broadcast

The game will take place at the Salt Lake Stadium on Friday from 7:30 PM IST. The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports 2 and Stars Sports 2 HD. It will also be streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.