Chennaiyin FC host ATK in search of first win of season

The match will also mark the Marina Machans' second home game of the season.

As Chennaiyin FC and ATK face-off in their next league match on Wednesday, the hosts are yet to win their first three points of the season. While the visitors are coming into the game on the back of a thumping 5-0 victory.

ATK’s new signings, David Williams and Roy Krishna came into their own and got onto the scoresheet. Meanwhile, John Gregory's men are yet to open their account for the campaign.

Both outfits will be hoping to outdo each other on Wednesday night, in what is a crucial clash for both sides in the league.

The Stakes

ATK have the chance to leapfrog everyone, and temporarily go top of the table, should they defeat the Marina Machans. However, Chennaiyin FC would overtake them and go fourth in the table, should they win.

The fixture could prove crucial as the season goes on. Gregory's men will be hoping for a more clinical showing this time around. Against Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC created a host of chances, but were not able to convert a single one.

The Englishman will be hoping that the likes of Lallianzuala Chhangte and Andre Schembri can start converting their opportunities, sooner rather than later.

Antonio Lopez Habas, on the other hand, will be hoping for a similar display from his attackers as the last game, which saw his side thrash Hyderbad FC in a historic 5-0 win.

Team News

Chennaiyin FC

The Marina Machans come into the game with a fully fit squad. Germanpreet Singh is also back from his absence, however, Gregory is still looking for his best starting lineup and is expected to experiment in this game as well.

ATK

Jobby Justin remains suspended for the visitors but, given the show they put on against Hyderabad FC, the attackers currently in the side are more than capable of picking up the slack. Expect to see a largely unchanged side, with the exception of Edu Garcia, who scored a brace coming off the bench in the Kolkata outfit's previous game.

Head-To-Head

ATK have been dominant against Chennaiyin FC over the years, winning five of the 12 matches that have been played. Chennaiyin have only managed three wins and four draws, since the inception of the league.

Interestingly, both Chennaiyin FC and ATK have scored exactly 19 goals against each other over this period. The neutral will be hoping for a hotly-contested game between the two most decorated teams in the ISL.

Man to Watch

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Chennaiyin FC)

The sprightly winger was one of the few bright sparks for his side against Mumbai City FC. Chhangte constantly had the opposition full-back on edge and even tested the goalkeeper with a few shots from the edge of the box. He looks to be Chennaiyin’s most likely avenue to start anything from an attacking point of view.

David Williams (ATK)

David Williams, the Australian striker opened his tally for his new side against Hyderabad FC with a well taken brace. The summer signing from Wellington Phoenix will be hoping to kick on and continue his goal scoring form against Chennaiyin FC.

Probable Lineups

Chennaiyin FC

Kaith (GK); Tondonba, Edwin, Sabia, Goian; Thapa, Ganesh; Dragos, Saighani, Chhangte; Schembri.

ATK

Bhattacharya (GK); Kotal, Agus, Edathodika, Das; McHugh, Garcia, Soosairaj, Rane; Williams, Krishna.

Did You Know? 

• Chennaiyin FC have won only two of the games they have played against ATK at home in the ISL.
• 2018-2019 was the first season of the competition where neither of the two sides, won the trophy.
• If ATK win the game, the Kolkata side will reach the top of the table.

Broadcast

The match will be played at 7:30PM IST at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in Chennai on Wednesday (30th October). The game will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network, It will also be streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.