Preview: Goal-shy ATK Mohun Bagan take on fickle Chennaiyin FC

When the two sides last faced each other in November the result was a goalless draw.

ATK Mohun Bagan are desperate to get back to winning ways in the Indian Super League (ISL) after dropping points in their last two games. They now face a Chennaiyin FC side who have won only one game in their last six and are longing for a big win themselves.

These two teams played out a very frustrating 0-0 draw in their last encounter and will want to redeem themselves this time around. Both are in the hunt for goals and a victory, so they should come out of their defensive shells and take more risks to produce a much more entertaining contest.

The Stakes

ATK Mohun Bagan were unable to capitalize on Mumbai City’s slip in the last gameweek when they failed to hold onto their 1-0 lead and could only draw against FC Goa. But, there will not be many slip-ups for them to pounce upon, so the Mariners need to improve their performance-levels as the final stretch of the campaign arrives.

ATKMB need to be more clinical in attack, braver in creating chances and pour men forward to break down Chennaiyin’s rigid defence. Habas realizes the pressure he is under to produce more entertaining football. ATKMB will want to use this game to catapult back into the winning momentum and keep the pressure on Mumbai.

Chennaiyin FC are also well aware that any more silly dropped points could put an end to their playoffs dreams. Despite their underwhelming recent form, the competitiveness of the ISL means they are only two points off the top four. Csaba Lazlo’s side also suffer from the same issue as ATKMB, which is the inability to score goals.

In their last five games, Chennaiyin have only scored three goals – which isn’t at all the form of playoffs aspirants. They have enough arsenal to create chances, but their decision-making in the final third has been poor. After being frustrated by ATKMB in the reverse fixture, they’ll hope to right their wrongs and take the fight to the Mariners.

Team News

The Mariners now have a fully fit squad apart from the long-term injuries in Michael Soosairaj and Jobby Justin Jakub Sylvestr could be out for this game after getting injured in the draw against East Bengal. New signing Manuel Lanzarote, however, could be ready to feature in this one.

https://youtu.be/oVlF7B9cRI0

Head-to-Head

These two sides have only met once in the ISL, when they held each other to a 0-0 draw earlier this season. However, in their earlier avatar as ATK, the Kolkata giants have faced Chennaiyin 15 times, with ATK winning seven games to the Marina Machans’ four successes. There have been four draws in the contest and the game has produced an average of three goals per game.

Probable Lineups

ATK Mohun Bagan: Arindam, Prabir, Kotal, Tiri, Jhingan, Bose, McHugh, Gomes, Garcia, Williams, Krishna.

Chennaiyin FC: Kaith, Reagan, Sabia, Sipovic, Jerry, Thapa, Memo, Fatkhulo, Esmael, Chhangte, Rahim.

Man to Watch

Edu Garcia (ATK Mohun Bagan)

After dealing with a few injury niggles earlier in the season, Edu Garcia finally seems to be back to his best with ATK Mohun Bagan. Following his stunning goal against FC Goa, the Spaniard will be high on confidence and aiming to pull the strings in the Mariners’ attack.

For ATKMB to prosper, Garcia needs to be proactive in the attacking third and make full use of his creativity to create chances for Roy Krishna and David Williams. His threat from set-pieces is another treasure for the Mariners and Garcia’s unpredictable style can be the perfect weapon to break open Chennaiyin’s stubborn backline.

Esmael Golcalves (Chennaiyin FC)

Chennaiyin FC might’ve looked toothless in attack too many times this season, but Esmael Golcalves has always shone as their best attacking star. Even in the 0-0 draw against East Bengal, he created three goalscoring chances and looked the most dangerous star on the pitch. Isma’s clever movement and productivity in attack could be Chennaiyin’s biggest weapon to trouble the rigid ATKMB backline.

The Guinea-Bissau international will hope to dazzle the Mariners with his trickery and be more lethal in front of goal to give his side a prominent chance of getting all three points from this difficult game.

Did You Know?

• ATK Mohun Bagan managed a passing accuracy of 51.6% against FC Goa, their worst against any side in the ISL this season.
• Chennaiyin FC have only scored 10 goals so far in the ISL, the lowest for any team in the competition.
• Chennaiyin have successfully completed 4,559 passes this season,1200 more than ATK Mohun Bagan (3,269).

Telecast

The match between ATK Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC is set to be telecast live on Star Sports 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 2 SD & HD (English), Star Sports Hindi 1 SD & HD, Star Sports 3 and several other regional languages. Live streaming of the match will be available on Hotstar and Jio TV.